Best Small Business Resources in the Waterloo Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Iowa has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Waterloo area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
Resources Available in your Area
UNI Center for Business Growth and Innovation
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Accepts Walks In
Description
The UNI Center for Business Growth and Innovation is a large organization that is comprised of several business development programs. All of the services are designed to attract, start and grow businesses in the Waterloo area. In addition to their local work, the UNI Center for Business Growth and Innovation also handles and creates online workshops, statewide events, and the midwest's largest celebration of entrepreneurs: EntreFEST.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Cedar Valley Makers
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
Cedar Valley Makers is an industrial space for makers, designers, and creators to gather and mingle. There are materials and equipment available for woodworking, metalworking, welding, CNC, and 3D printing as well as design software. Additional workshops and training are provided for members of the Makerspace. This organization is great for manufacturing and technology-oriented start-ups looking to prototype products or processes.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Techworks Campus, Tech1 Building, 3rd floor
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-427-2030
CedarValleyMakers@gmail.com
HOURS OF OPERATION:
id8 workspace
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The id8 workspace offers meeting space rentals, office space rentals, group and individual monthly memberships for remote workers, telecommuters, and startups in downtown Waterloo. As a bonus, new customers signing up online receive a free day pass. In addition to the networking events and workshops, some perks of id8 workspace include a shower, concierge service, beer on tap, and bike storage.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
402 E 4th St., Floor 1
Waterloo, IA 50703
319-529-9846
hello@id8workspace.com
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - FRI: 8 am - 5 pm
University of Northern Iowa SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Waterloo SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth