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Main Street Centerville launches Small Business Lab to Support Local Businesses.

Centerville, Iowa: Entrepreneurs in the Main Street Centerville district have a new tool to launch, manage, and grow their business – the Small Business Lab. 

The Small Business Lab provides various high-quality business support services that entrepreneurs (including both new and established businesses) can access at no cost. All Small Business Lab services are delivered virtually via video conferencing, making it easy to use these resources to grow your business. “The last twelve months have impacted our community in many ways that we could never have imagined.  And we realize the impact that it has had on our local small businesses and how important it is to make sure that they have as many resources as possible.  They play a critical role in our local economy and the success of our community.” Mary Wells

The Small Business Lab is designed to provide not just tools but solutions that quickly and effectively help businesses achieve their goals. Services include 1:1 startup and business management coaching, peer-learning opportunities, and access to industry experts around various topics. 

Local businesses can access the Small Business Lab 24/7 and take advantage of the available services remotely, from anywhere, using this link: https://www.ruralideas.net/labs/Main-Street-Centerville

“We are excited to partner with the Rural Ideas Network to provide these services to small business owners in our Main Street districts across the state,” said Robin Bostrom, Business Specialist with Main Street Iowa, and the Iowa Downtown Resource Center. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of many communities and the past year has been difficult with the global pandemic and the derecho. This service provides a one-on-one business consulting to help them emerge stronger than ever!”

The new Small Business Lab is possible thanks to a partnership with Main Street Iowa and the Rural Ideas Network, a national nonprofit organization that partners with rural communities and economic development organizations to provide a robust set of services to entrepreneurs.