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This podcast is a collaboration between the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development and Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development programs, and the Iowa Small Business Development Centers. These podcasts cover relevant topics for businesses and individuals related to education, research, and technical assistance.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - FFED


    • Mar 29, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 53 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Back to Business Iowa

    Programas de Negocios disponibles para la Comunidad Latina de Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 22:36


    Himar Hernandez y Victor Oyervides dialogan sobre los diferentes recursos para negocios disponibles de la comunidad Latina en Iowa. Estos recursos incluyen asistencia técnica directa, talleres de Modelo de Negocio en español e información sobre préstamos disponibles a través del Estado de Iowa.

    Minimum Wages & Their Effect on Firm Entry/Exit - An Economist's Take

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 35:15


    Iowa State Professor and Economist, Dr. Peter Orazem, discusses his recent research into the minimum wage and its effects on firm entry and exit. He also discusses his research on firm entry and exit during the Covid19 era and some predictions about the future state of business bankruptcies.  

    SBDC Counselors Share Their Covid Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 36:11


    SBDC Regional Director, Kimberly Tiefenthaler, and SBDC Business Counselor, Darcy Swon, speak to host Steve Adams about their experiences working with small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the Covid19 crisis. They also speak about a new program they have developed called "Innovate U" which allows DMACC students in Carroll to experience the process of starting a new business over a 6-week period. 

    How are small business owners feeling about business conditions in 2021?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 37:24


    Matt Everson, Iowa state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), walks us through the results of their recent January 2021 survey. Among other things, it measures small business owners' outlook toward future business conditions—a metric known as the "Optimism Index." 

    Iowa Retail Initiative Champions Event

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 11:29


    Lisa Bates, state specialist with the Community and Economic Development Program at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, discusses her upcoming event for leaders and planners in retail businesses development, where they will learn strategies to implement in their local communities. 

    Fighting Food Insecurity in Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 41:45


    Aubrey Alvarez, Executive Director of Eat Greater Des Moines, and Matt Unger, CEO of the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), speak about the work their respective organizations do to combat food insecurity in Iowa, how they have been affected by Covid19, and suggest ways in which other Iowans can help this winter. 

    Restaurant & Bar Industry Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 54:01


    Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, returns to the program to speak about the state of the restaurant and bar industry, one of the hardest hit by this pandemic. Listen to Ms. Dunker speak about the dire situation facing many of these small business owners as we enter the winter and what you can do to help. 

    An Examination of Childcare in Iowa - Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 32:53


    Dawn Oliver Wiand, Executive Director of the Iowa Women's Foundation, speaks to host Steve Adams about her organization's work to help Iowa's women achieve self-sufficiency through access to quality, affordable childcare.

    An Examination of Childcare in Iowa - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020 21:45


    Today's guest is Jillian Herink, Executive Director of the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, a non-profit organization which promotes high quality education for children from birth to age 8 by connecting practice, policy, and research. Ms. Herink connects the importance of quality childcare with creating and sustaining a healthy economy in Iowa. 

    An Examination of Childcare in Iowa - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2020 24:07


    Today's guest is Ryan Page, Childcare Regulatory Program Manager and Team Lead for the Childcare Bureau under the Division of Adult, Children, and Family Services within the Iowa Department of Human Services. She speaks with host Steve Adams on the status of childcare in the state—especially the effect the pandemic has had on service providers and the various resources the state provides to this critical industry. 

    How Iowa Non-Profits have Adapted in the Age of COVID-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2020 42:54


    Special guests Angie Dethlefs-Trettin, Chief Community Impact Officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and Paul Thelen, Director of the Larned A. Waterman Iowa Non-Profit Resource Center, speak with host Steve Adams about the many challenges facing Iowa's non-profit organizations during the pandemic, and the ways in which they are adapting and innovating to increase their impact during this challenging time. 

    Small Business Update - an Interview with Entrepreneur Lana Pol

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 16:34


    Lana Pol is an entrepreneur from Pella, Iowa and owns a variety of small businesses, from trucking companies to a spa and pool business. She speaks to host Steve Adams about the challenges, surprises, and learnings of managing her multiple enterprises through the COVID-19 crisis so far this year.  

    The Benefits of Coworking

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020 19:00


    Geoff Wood, owner of Gravitate Coworking in Des Moines, speaks about the benefits of coworking facilities, especially for entrepreneurs and remote workers who are interested in working near other people but don't want to commit to a long-term lease. Hear Geoff's thoughts on this trend, and learn about his company's recent opening of its first rural Iowa location in Jefferson.

    Wellness During COVID-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 18:47


    Join host Steve Adams as he speaks to wellness experts from the Human Sciences Department of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Clinical psychologist David Brown and registered dietitian Jody Gatewood speak about strategies to improve wellness during COVID-19, ranging from diet and exercise suggestions to caring for your mental health.

    Broadband Access in Rural Communities

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 24:06


    Our guest Bill Menner—a long time advocate for Iowa's rural communities—speaks to the importance and benefits of broadband internet access in rural communities. Bill was director of USDA Rural Development for Iowa from 2009-2017 and currently operates a rural development consulting firm called the Bill Menner Group.

    A talk with Matt Everson, Director of the Iowa NFIB

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 38:08


    Matt Everson, State of Iowa Director for the National Federation of Independent Business, talks about the various resources available to the more than 10,000 small business owners who comprise the membership of the NFIB. 

    Des Moines Small Business Relief Fund

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 29:03


    Guests are Des Moines mayor Frank Cownie and Kameron Middlebrooks, Minority Business Coordinator for Iowa State University Extension & Outreach and president of the Des Moines NAACP. They discuss a recent grant program for Des Moines' small businesses with a particular focus on assisting those which are minority-owned.

    Small Business Insights from the NFIB Research Center

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 37:17


    Holly Wade, executive director of the Research Center for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), speaks to host Steve Adams about recent results from a survey of their national membership regarding how COVID-19 is affecting their respective businesses. 

    Future Ready Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2020 24:28


    Future Ready Iowa Policy Advisor Kathy Leggett speaks to Steve Adams about the program's objectives to achieve post-secondary educational equivalency for 70% of Iowa adults by 2025 through apprenticeship and other non-traditional education methods. Ms. Leggett also discusses the Coranavirus Relief Employer Innovation Fund, which is currently accepting applications until September 16, 2020. 

    Challenges Facing Family-Run Businesses

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 20:30


    Daniel Beenken, Director of the Family Business Forum at the University of Northern Iowa, joins host Steve Adams for a discussion about the issues facing family run businesses today, with a particular focus on succession planning. 

    Advice for Iowa's Small Retailers from Dr. Linda Niehm

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 33:07


    Dr. Linda Niehm, professor of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management at Iowa State University's College of Human Sciences, speaks with host Steve Adams about the challenges facing Iowa's small retailers. Spoiler alert: innovation and adaptation are key to survival! 

    USDA Rural Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020 41:04


    Iowa director of USDA Rural Development, Grant Menke, joins host Steve Adams in a detailed conversation about the ways the agency supports a wide range of economic activity in Iowa's rural communities. 

    Iowa Workforce Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 47:58


    Today's guest is Ryan West, deputy director of Iowa Workforce Development. Mr. West discusses the various resources available to people who are unemployed through Iowa Workforce Development and how it has adapted to serve the needs of Iowans who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19. 

    Real Estate Discussion with Economist Peter Orazem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 38:25


    Dr. Peter Orazem, professor of economics at Iowa State University, examines recent economic indicators regarding employment and business health in relation to the private and commercial real estate markets. 

    Business Exit Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 31:47


    Today's guest, attorney Nick Roby with the Drake Law Clinic's Entrepreneurial and Transactional Law division, discusses considerations for businesses who do not think they can survive in this business climate and need to wind down operations. 

    Midwest Economic Update with Dr. Ernie Goss

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2020 31:57


    Our guest for this episode is Dr. Ernie Goss, professor of economics at Creighton University, director of the Institute for Economic Inquiry, and director of the Goss Institute for Economic Research—a bipartisan think tank conducting business and economic research and providing innovative, practical recommendations that affect change and public policy. Dr. Goss provides his insights into the economic outlook in various sectors for the Midwest. 

    Encountering Innovation Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2020 24:24


    Today host Steve Adams speaks to Laurie Pieper, tech consultant for Iowa’s Small Business Development Centers, and Alan Badgley, tech director for the Kansas Small Business Development Centers, about the upcoming Encountering Innovation Conference. This episode is particularly interesting to Iowa's various tech companies seeking funding and assistance commercializing their tech products and services. 

    COVID Economic Outlook

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 33:52


    In this edition, Steve Adams interviews Iowa State University economics research faculty member David Swenson about the effects of COVID-19 on Iowa's economy. Mr. Swenson also discusses the future outlook for various sectors of the Iowa economy as well as his views on the speed with which he believes the economy will recover from the pandemic. 

    Iowa Retail Initiative - Strategies and Best Practices

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 15:51


    Lisa Bates, field specialist II with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, joins host Steve Adams to discuss the wide range of business services available through the Iowa Retail Initiative.  Several publications and best practices are discussed in this episode, including COVID-19 strategies.

    Iowa Source Link - Business Resource Portal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 27:29


    Host Steve Adams interviews Patrick Luensmann, senior program manager at the University of Northern Iowa. He manages Iowa Source Link, a collaboration between the University of Northern Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority. If you are a business looking for technical assistance or resources, this is the portal you want to visit.

    Iowa State University - Economic Development and Industry Relations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 39:52


    This podcast provides a detailed description of Iowa State University's Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR). Our guest is David Spalding, the Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University. Dean Spalding is also serving as interim vice president for EDIR for Iowa State University. EDIR provides a wide range of services to Iowa businesses. Steve Adams serves as the host on this informative podcast describing the various business resources available at Iowa State University.

    Business Reopening Strategies - Beauty Salons and Barbers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2020 31:34


    Today our guests are Stacie and Rick Mosley from Rick Mosley Hair in Clive, IA. In this podcast we discuss some of the challenges that hair salons, barber shops and cosmetologists have been facing during this Covid-19 pandemic. Steve Adams leads the conversation and the Mosleys provide best practice strategies for reopening. 

    Human Resource Strategies—COVID-19

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 24:14


    Steve Adams hosts Dr. Maartje Schouten, assistant professor in the Department of Management at Iowa State University's Ivy College of Business. Her research and teaching specifically focus on human resource areas of teams, social hierarchy, power, status and perspective taking. Dr. Shouten will discuss human resource strategies in the current COVID-19 environment, including retaining talent, best practices, and inclusive planning in reopening for business.

    SBA PPP Loan Forgiveness

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2020 33:06


    This podcast takes a first look at the recently released Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application. Recurring guest Dave Biedenbach, regional director of the Iowa State University Small Business Development Center, is joined by Tim Wolfe, president and CEO, and Ryan Newton, commercial loan officer, both of State Savings Bank in West Des Moines, Iowa. Guided by host Steve Adams, the discussion examines the PPP forgiveness application with important advice for small business owners who are currently working through the process.

    Shop Where I Live

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 21:04


    This episode features Cherie Edilson, Co-Founder & CEO of Shop Where I Live, who discusses the web-based sales platform for Main Street businesses in collaboration with chambers of commerce and economic development organizations. What started out as a simple website solution in 2017 to help crafters in their community to sell outside of one-day craft fairs has now turned into a solution that multiple communities across America rely on to help their small businesses sell together online & their community to shop local through one website—Shop Where I Live. Steve Adams serves as the host of this podcast.

    Business Resources - Iowa State University Parks Library

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 20:53


    Iowa State University Professor Jeffrey Kushkowski discusses his role at the library and the resources available. From business resources to economic and market data, this podcast will connect you to a wide range of resources and data that help your business succeed. Steve Adams serves as your host and as always, throws a little humor into the discussion.

    Flujo de Caja

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 17:38


    Flujo de Caja – Episodio de Podcast que ofrece información acerca de la importancia de Flujo de Caja, el Analisis de Flujo de Caja, y proyecciones de Flujo de Caja en preparar su pequeño negocio para la futura etapa de recuperación durante COVID 19. Además, herramientas útiles en la creación de estos documentos.

    Iowa Restaurant Reopening Guidance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2020 57:12


    This timely episode discusses the reopening guidance for Iowa restaurants in May 2020. Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, offers a presentation that discusses the directives and recommendations when reopening a restaurant. Mark Speltz, Bureau Chief, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, will also answer questions and provide additional insight on reopening. Hosted by Lisa Shimkat, state director of America's SBDC Iowa.  

    Evaluacion de su Modelo de Negocio

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 22:45


    Evaluacion de su Modelo de Negocio - Podcast que trata sobre la importancia de tener un modelo de negocio para su empresa y como actualizarlo en esta epoca de incertidumbre. Victor Oyervides e Himar Hernandez analizan en este episodio diferentes ideas que estan haciendo varios negocios para adaptarse y comparten la herramienta para completar un modelo de negocio.

    Business Model Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 25:26


    Business model strategies are discussed with guests Paul Heath, regional director of SBDC University of Iowa, and Scott Swenson, regional director of SBDC Kirkwood Community College. Host Steve Adams leads the discussion on best practices and how some business have modified their business model for success.

    Iowa Foundation for Microenterprise and Community Vitality

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 31:38


    Craig Downs and Mark Edelman discuss the Iowa Foundation for Microenterprise and Community Vitality and also the Community Vitality Center at Iowa State University. Episode includes a discussion of the Microenterprise Loan Fund and the technical assistance opportunities through the Community Vitality Center. Hosted by Steve Adams of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

    Criterios y Restricciones para la reapertura de restaurantes en Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 20:27


    Criterios y Restricciones para la reapertura de restaurantes en Iowa - Episodio que cubre el tema de las reaperturas de negocios de comida en Iowa. Incluye restricciones, criterios y recomendaciones. Este Podcast tambien cubre diversos recursos que existen para apoyar a los duenos de los restaurantes en Iowa.

    Iowa Area Development Group

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 27:55


    Bruce Nuzum and Brittany Morales discuss the financing programs that Iowa Area Development Group works with through the Iowa electrical cooperatives. Programs include revolving loan funds, USDA financing, and grants. Brittany also details the Ripple Effect partnership between IADG and Aureon as she provides economic development support to Iowa independent telecommunication companies through technical assistance and financial packaging.

    SBA Loan Program Update - SBDC

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 32:28


    Joel Youngs, Regional Director with the Small Business Development Center, provides an update on the EIDL, PPP, and SBDC services available at this time. Topics include direct business services, technical assistance, and the loan process. Host Steve Adams also provides some status updates on similar business assistance programs.

    SBA 504 and Other Financial Options

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 19:01


    Steve Brustkern, executive director of Blackhawk Economic Development Corporation, joins the podcast to discuss the various programs he oversees. The Small Business Administration's 504 program, various revolving loan funds, and other topics of business development are included in his discussion with host Steve Adams from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

    Website and Online Payments Best Practices

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 30:37


    Darcy Swon from the Iowa SBDC will discuss website development and evaluation techniques for the current business climate. Topics include types of websites, software choices, design strategies and online payment options. Steve Adams, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, hosts this episode. 

    Revenue Stream Analysis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 17:53


    Evaluating new revenue streams is the focus of this episode.  Businesses should always be evaluating these streams for the best return on investment as they continue to expand the goods and services portfolio. Victor Oyervides from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Brett Middendorf with the Iowa Small Business Development Center join host Steve Adams for this discussion.

    Colaboracion y Programas en Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 20:55


    Colaboración y Programas en Iowa – Episodio de Podcast que cubre el tema relevante para pequeños negocios acerca de la colaboración entre Iowa State University Extension and Outreach y Iowa Small Business Development Centers para ofrecer Podcasts, webinars, cursos, material informático y asesoría técnica durante la crisis de COVID 19. Además de información pertinente de otros programas locales y estatales para pequeños negocios.

    Small Business Relief Fund - Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2020 25:22


    This podcast features Deidre DeJear from the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Kameron Middlebrooks Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Guests discuss the Iowa Small Business Relief Fund that provides grants to businesses with 7 or fewer employees.

    Evaluating Customer Segments

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 23:57


    In this segment, Victor Oyervides of ISU Extension and Outreach and Brett Middendorf of Small Business Development Center - Iowa discuss evaluating your customer segments and considering different business models that increase revenue and profitability.

    Revolving Loan Funds

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 27:54


    In this episode we interview Rick Hunsaker, executive director at Region XII Council of Governments, and Tami Lehmann, Business RLF Administrator Region XII Council of Governments. They discuss revolving loan fund programs they operate and similar programs throughout Iowa as a potential funding option for businesses.

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