Small Business Information Handouts

We have numerous resources and a full library of information for anyone interested in starting a small business. We have a few important resources here, but are always adding more. If you do not see what you need, we may have it in development and/or simply not posted to the webpage yet. To get a copy of the resource that is not a hyperlink below, just e-mail us or call us at 319-273-5732. We no longer offer the documents on the website as PDF links due to some mis-use by a few people. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Your e-mail request for the documents is handled internally and your information is not shared with any outside parties. Thank you for your understanding.

BASIC INFORMATION
  • Successful Entrepreneur Characteristics
  • Common Requirements for Most New Businesses
  • Starting Your Business
  • Successful Start-up Guide
  • Identity Theft and Credit
  • Credit Card Interest Adds Up Over Time
  • State of Iowa Small Business Contacts
  • Iowa Educational, Governmental, and Financial Resources
  • Key Legal Considerations of an Entrepreneur
  • Government Regulations and Rules
  • Home-based Business
  • Franchising
  • Tips for Women Entrepreneurs
  • Phone Call Etiquette

RESEARCH

  • Researching the Business Concept
  • Online Research Resources
  • Web Research Resources
  • Internet Research
  • Internet Sources for Competitive Intelligence
  • Employer Research

FEASIBILITY STUDIES & BUSINESS PLANS

  • Outline for a Feasibility Study
  • Format and Writing Tips for a Feasibility Plan
  • Business Plan Guide (requires Worksheets A-E Below)
  • Financial Worksheet A
  • Financial Worksheet B
  • Financial Worksheet C
  • Financial Worksheet D
  • Financial Worksheet E
  • Sample Business Plan for Biodiesel Business
  • Sample Business Plan for Community Library
  • Sample Business Plan for Pet Company
  • Sample Business Plan for Museum
  • How to Write a Great Business Plan

BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND STRUCTURE

  • Forms of Business Ownership
  • Business Structure Chart
  • Selecting a Board of Directors
  • Transitioning the Business to the Next Generation

INTERNET

  • E-Business Strategies
  • Guide to Doing Business Online
  • Website Tips

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

  • Copyrights
  • Patents
  • Trademarks

ACCOUNTING, FINANCE, AND TAXES

FUNDING A SMALL BUSINESS
  • Financing for the Small Business
  • Guide to Financial Programs
  • Venture and Equity Funds in Iowa
  • Financial Assistance Guide
  • How to Get a Loan
  • State and Federal Loan Applications
  • Venture Capitalists' Assessment of New Venture Survival
  • Advanced Technology Program Competition and Awards

MANAGEMENT

  • Inventory Control
  • Importation Requirements
  • Managing Growth
  • Decision Making and Problem Solving
  • Communication and Listening
  • Delegating Work and Responsibility
  • Designing Jobs to Bring out the Best in Employees
  • Eight Attributes of Excellence
  • Ethics and Social Responsibility
  • Keeping Good Employees
  • Leadership and Motivation
  • Operating with a Customer Focus
  • Planning
  • Reducing Unnecessary Employee Absenses
  • Roles of Managers
  • What Being a Manager is Like
  • Effective Meetings
  • Implementing and Dealing with Change
  • Business Risks

MARKETING

  • Naming Your Business
  • Marketing for the Small Business
  • Marketing Overview
  • Online Marketing Resources
  • Marketing Plan
  • Marketing Budget
  • Common Questions in Creating a Marketing Strategy
  • Questionnaire
  • Business Networking
  • Pricing
  • Promotion
  • Positioning
  • Public Relations
  • Advertising Agency
  • Channel Marketing & Distribution
  • Target Market
  • Analyzing the Competition
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Retailing
  • Location & Design