Business Resources
An array of business and economic development resources are available to assist businesses at all phases of the business life cycle.
Iowa Business and Economic Development Resources Portal
This portal serves as a gateway to state business and economic development information and resources.
Go to the portal »
Entrepreneurial/Small Business Resources
Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED)
IDED provides a wide range of new business resources and assistance.
Go to IDED’s website »
Iowa Business Licensing Center (BLIC)
BLIC assists businesses and individuals with identifying compliance requirements for starting and operating a business in Iowa or working in a professionally
licensed occupation. The online BLIC system provides information on registrations, certifications, permits, plan reviews and other requirements.
Go to the Iowa Business Licensing portal »
Iowa Entrepreneur Network (IEN)
IEN provides Iowa entrepreneurs and investors with a community to integrate entrepreneurial expertise and interests across the state. The goal is to provide information resources in a single online location for Iowa entrepreneurs and those associated with them. The website also features entrepreneurial news and a statewide calendar of events. Go to the IEN website »
MidIowa Small Business Development Center (MISBDC)
MISBDC provides one-on-one free confidential counseling to existing business owners and start-up entrepreneurs, in addition to providing workshops and seminars. Go to MISBDC’s website »
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE counselors are CEOs, executives and other retired business experts offering free business advice and consultation to small business owners.
Go to SCORE’s website »
Research and Technology Resources
Iowa State University (ISU)
ISU is recognized both nationally and internationally for its strong programs in agriculture and engineering and in the basic sciences. In recent years, Iowa State has launched bold new resear
ch and technology transfer initiatives, including agricultural biotechnology, bioinformatics, materials science, food safety, biorenewables and information sciences.
Go to ISU's Business and Industry website »
University of Iowa (UI)
UI's research strengths are world-renowned in the health sciences and biosciences, educational testing and measurement, and engineering and space exploration.
Go to UI’s Centers for Enterprise website »
University of Northern Iowa (UNI)
UNI offers an array of resources to assist business and industry, including ag-based industrial lubricants, waste reduction technologies and metals testing.
Go to UNI’s Outreach and Partnerships website »
Regulatory and Compliance Resources
IDED provides a wide range of regulatory and compliance assistance. The Department, in coordination with state regulatory agencies, has also established the Iowa Business and Regulatory Assistance Network to facilitate efficient and timely responses to inquiries about regulatory issues and resources.
Go to IDED’s website »
Go to the Iowa Business and Regulatory Assistance Network’s portal sites:
Go to the City of Waukee’s website for local building, planning and code compliance information »