July 2015
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Military Loyalty Rewards Program
By Aaron Serrano via Military Cost Cutters
Military Cost Cutters was conceptualized in the streets of Iraq and implemented back here in the states 8 months ago. As a military veteran and entrepreneur I knew that there was a problem and it needed to be fixed. As with most entrepreneurs traction and validation are key measures to see if your “million dollar idea” is actually needed.
SEINFELD ON STARTUPS
#1 Dad: True Business Differentiators
By Dan Beenken
First of all, let’s just get this out of the way – Morty Seinfeld is not the #1 Dad, it’s obviously myself.  I ordered the shirt, so it will be official soon enough. 

The premise of episode 151 – “The English Patient” – was Elaine’s disdain for the movie by the same name. We are also introduced to Magic Pan crepes and George’s nemesis Neil. 
 
IDEAS FOR SUCCESS
Big Brand Strategies for Small Businesses
By Jenny Miller via MOSourceLink
Most big brands have got it going on! They have a loyal following, a great tagline or jingle and a well-established position in the market. After all, they have the money to invest in research and know what works.

Follow these 5 Rules as described by EAG Advertising and Marketing to utilize big brand strategies for your small business.
 
A Look Inside the Iowa Waste Reduction Center
By Mallory Feeney via UNI Business & Community Services
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC), a non-profit at the University of Northern Iowa’s Business and Community Services (BCS), has been working with Iowa businesses since 1987. Driven by the need for environmental sustainability, the IWRC offers assistance to small businesses and industrial communities alike. What makes this BCS program unique though is the multitude of services offered. It’s more than just reducing waste and environmental compliance, it’s about educating businesses, which is the key to continued sustainability 
 
Iowa Vendor Self Service: New Electronic Bidding System
By Kelly Green via Iowa Department of Administrative Services

To enhance supplier access to state procurement opportunities and facilitate online solicitation responses, the Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has implemented Iowa Vendor Self Service (VSS). 

This new online bidding system replaces DAS eBid, and will feature bid opportunities posted by DAS Central Procurement Enterprise (DAS-CPE), Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities, the Department of Human Services (DHS), and Iowa Veterans Home (IVH). Bid opportunities for other state entities will be added as agencies enroll.

Economic Independence Day
By Ini Augustine via Iowa Black Business Coalition
As we celebrate our nation's independence, it's important to remember another important freedom: Economic empowerment. The ability to pay your bills, take care of your children, and determine your own destiny are crucial to a successful, balanced society. 
 
“True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
 
TIPS, TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY
5 Reasons Why your Business Should Be Blogging
By Valyn Reinig
So you’ve taken the time to create a website and now that you’ve got your business on the web you can just sit back and watch the customers roll in, right? Well… not exactly. Just having a presence on the Internet isn’t enough. You’ve got to be proactive if you want to engage your customers, create a loyal following, and cultivate leads. 
UPCOMING WEBINARS
Iowa Sales/Use Tax Basics (Part 2)
Terry O'Neill
 
Wednesday, July 22
Noon-1pm


REGISTER>>> 
Micro Loans: What Are They and How Do You Get One?
 
Wedneday, July 29
Noon-1pm


REGISTER>>> 
EVENTS & CLASSES
July 9
Journey To Your Vision
Carroll, IA

July 10
New Bo Open Coffee
Cedar Rapids, IA

July 13-15
SBIR Road Tour
Iowa City, IA

July 14
Economic Independence Day
Des Moines, IA

July 15
Lunch & Learn Fashion Maven
Des Moines, IA


July 15
Startup Grind Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, IA

July 16
Cedar Valley Scene
Cedar Falls, IA

July 16
SBDC Office Hours
West Des Moines, IA

July 21
Tech Brew North Iowa
Clear Lake, IA


July 22
Iowa Sales/Use Tax Basics
Part 2 

Online Webinar

July 28
UI Venture School Info Session
Des Moines, IA

July 29
Micro Loan Basics
Online Webinar


July 30
What the Healthcare Law Means for your Small Business
Online Webinar
VIEW ALL EVENTS
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