Through an initiative called E-Powerment, the IWCC E-Center is growing entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial communities in Southwest Iowa. The first step in building rural entrepreneurship gathers community leaders, local entrepreneurs and small business experts together to examine specific community capacity and needs.
The E-Powerment initiative identifies strengths and needs in individual communities. Activities include networking events, counseling sessions with community experts and mentors, specialized training and workshops, and enhanced community support.
Introduced in the fall of 2007, E-Powerment’s pilot project is underway in Glenwood and will expand over time to include all interested communities in southwest Iowa.
E-Powerment Communities
Our pilot E-Powerment community is Glenwood, Iowa. Glenwood is located in Mills County, one of the fastest growing areas in Iowa. Nestled in the beautiful Loess Hills, a National Scenic By-Way brings you through Glenwood from north to south, and a 4-mile drive from Interstate 29 brings you here from the west. The Glenwood Exit is 15 miles south of the nation’s crossroads of I-29 and I-80.
Community assessment research for E-Powerment is provided by Honey Creek Resources.
Funding for this project is provided by the Southwest Iowa Foundation. Staff and technical support provided by Iowa Western Community College and the IWCC E-Center.
If you would like to be included in an E-Powerment community development initiative, contact Julie Mierau at 712-325-3309 or jmierau@iwcc.edu.
E-Powerment Resources
For community empowerment initiatives in other parts of Iowa, these links offer additional resources for communities interested in entrepreneurship and for small businesses:
Business Support Services:
The Iowa Small Business Development Centers
Community Entrepreneurial Development:
MyEntreNet
Academic Entrepreneurship Centers:
Northern Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Iowa State University John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Drake University John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Institute
Community Vitality Center
