If you are looking to start or expand a business in Iowa, or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there are a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.

While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a wide range of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as solutions live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these places:

1. State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
3. Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
4. Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with Iowa State's Business License Information Center

Iowa requires certain forms of businesses to register in order to conduct their affairs in the state. Additionally, certain categories of businesses, in areas such as banking, healthcare or real estate, for example, must satisfy additional licensing and certification requirements.

I recommend: Explore licensing requirements relevant to your venture at the Iowa Business License Information Center. To receive assistance located in your area of the state, contact the business help centers located on BUZGate's Iowa Business Counseling Resources Web page. The Iowa Department of Revenue Web site contains information on small business' state tax obligations.

Discover Iowa's economic priorities and see where you fit

Iowa offers assistance to businessmen and -women starting companies in the Hawkeye State.

I recommend: Learn about Iowa's economic priorities and get an overview of how the state assists entrepreneurs via the Iowa Coalition for Innovation and Growth and the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

Network with other Iowa entrepreneurs and gain access to free advice

Iowa's state-run and private business-advocacy groups provide peer-based advice and the opportunity to collaborate in areas such as exporting and lobbying.

I recommend: The Iowa Entrepreneur Network maintains numerous small-business resources. The state's three major universities, the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa, provide extensive counseling services.

Access the state's numerous small-business funding sources

Besides banks, a lengthy list of state and local government providers exists to back promising new business ventures. Additional incentives, in the form of tax breaks, can also form part of a funding package to jump start your new venture.

I recommend: Iowa business accelerators are located throughout the state and are designed to provide basic support services to startups. IDED maintains this list of private equity funds in the state. Companies wishing to relocate and expand their operations in Iowa can apply for assistance in areas such as site selection and employee training. The state offices of the U.S. Small Business Association can also provide funding assistance.

Snag state-level help from the SBA

District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.

I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.

SCORE more free help for your biz

SCORE, 'Counselors to America's small business' is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.

I recommend: These are SCORE Iowa offices: Cedar Rapids - Cedar Rapids SCORE; Des Moines - Des Moines SCORE; Sioux City - Sioux City SCORE

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Build your new company's name recognition and stature by networking through Iowa's local Chamber of Commerce groups, performing charitable services and attending community development forums.
• •  Where possible, partner with a local company or business leader to gain fast 'insider' status.
• •  Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
• •  Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
• •  Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
• •  The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
• •  Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.