Small business is the heartbeat of Webster City. It’s the center of most communities, including our larger cities. The challenges of running a small business are varied, but most will admit that having a little help with advice and financial resources is always helpful.

Questions about running a small business might be made a little easier and clearer at a free Lunch and Learn panel discussion on Friday.

Five panelists will be on hand at the Sampson room in Fuller Hall at 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Fuller Hall is located at 625 Bank Street in Webster City.

“The Webster City Chamber of Commerce is providing another great opportunity for small business and start-ups with experts that will come to our own back yard,” said Ottey Maxey of the Hamilton County Growth Partnership.

The panelists include Anna Lensing, Innovation Team Lead, with the Iowa Economic Development Authority – IEDA, Adrienne Greenwald, Managing Principal with VentureNet Iowa LLC, Micah Walker, an Investment Analyst with InnoVenture Iowa, Tricia Rivas, Customer Relations Coordinator and Audra Fisher, Manager of Customer Relations, both with America’s Small Business Development Center – Iowa.

During the lunch hour, discussion on the many State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs will be discussed, and explanations on how capital and other resources can be accessed for growth.

Iowa has received a $96 million investment from the U.S. Department from the U.S. Department of Treasury to support small businesses, startups and manufacturers.

The information to be shared includes four programs that can serve all small businesses, including the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). There will also be information on how to access funding, investment and support. There is free technical assistance available through the Small Business Development Center.

“I encourage all who are interested; small business owners or not, to attend and learn about the opportunities that exist,” Maxey.

There will be an open question and answer period with the program leaders.

There is no cost to attend, lunch is provided by co-hosts: Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton County Growth Partnership and America’s Small Business Development Center – Iowa.

Registration is being handled online at https://forms.gle/ARiGxoBxPWhaXuZN6

For questions, contact Audra Fisher at fishera@iastate.edu.