Helping small businesses grow

As more small businesses have started to open in Creston, South Central Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director Jamie David came to the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday to share what exactly the SBDC does.

“We are a public-private partnership. We partner with our host institutes, so community colleges. There are 15 centers across the state. We’re the only nationally accredited entrepreneurial program in the state of Iowa,” David said. “Our mission and vision is to be an innovative source for empowering businesses in Iowa. We provide confidential business.”

David has been the director at Creston’s SBDC since 2021, taking over from Ethan Pitt. Previously, David had worked in finance and had a small business of her own in Creston from 2013 to 2015.

The SBDC office is housed in at SWCC’s performing arts center, which shares a building with the Southern Prairie Family Fitness Center.

“I’m housed with the newly rated SWCC Business and Community Development Center, which is an amazing fit,” David said. “I did a career fair last week and it was just kind of a good transition to be able to talk about SBDC and all the services and other opportunities in the area we offer on the non-credit side.”

SBDC works with small businesses on a variety of topics, including marketing, financing, expanding and other business operations. While those at the center might not be able to help with everything, David said they’re always happy to point business owners in the right direction.

“We work with small businesses but obviously there’s some services that we’re unable to provide and we need to know where to send them,” David said. “Really, we customize our work. I tell our clients, it’s not a cookie-cutter, we’re not going to run you through. We do have some programs like that, but I kind of customize the counseling that I do based on the needs that they have.”

Services offered by SBDC do not cost business owners anything, but there are stipulations as to what defines a small business.

“We follow under the SBDC guidelines for what is a small business is, so 499 employees or less,” David said. “I’ve been meaning to look up the revenue, I don’t actually know what the revenue limit is, or if there is one. We really focus on the employees.”

Services are offered to owners of both existing businesses and proposed businesses.

In 2022, the South Central Iowa SBDC served 165 unique clients, resulting in the creation of 74 new jobs and 12 new businesses.

Those interested in SBDC’s services are encouraged to contact David by email at david@swcciowa.edu or phone number, 641-782-1483.

In other SWCC board news...

Members of the board said they have recieved good feedback from community members on the possibility of a new CDL program. The state government informed applicants they are aiming for communication on the grant by Nov. 1.

SWCC’s annual athletic fundraiser is scheduled for 5:30 on Nov. 9. Tickets are now on sale at https://www.swcciowa.edu/athletic-fundraiser. Funds raised will go towards the athletics programs.