CEDAR RAPIDS, IA—JANUARY 7, 2011— The Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC), a Cedar Rapids-based business accelerator, announced that its first networking event of 2011 will bring area business resources together in one venue to support economic development in the Corridor. The networking event titled ‘Developing an Entrepreneur Eco-System’, will be co-hosted by the EDC, the Corridor Business Alliance (CBA) and the Cedar Rapids Downtown District and will showcase the support for Corridor entrepreneurs—specifically highlighting members of the CBA.
Specific area resources and CBA members that will be on hand, in addition to the EDC, include: Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Priority One, Iowa City Area Development Group, Kirkwood Small Business Development Center, University of Iowa Small Business Development Center, The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Iowa, Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services Center and University of Iowa Research Foundation. Additionally, representatives from the Cedar Rapids Downtown District will be present.
The CBA was established to create a vital regional economy through the creation and growth of business. This event was designed to support this vision and increase access to the Corridor’s many business resources.
“We are pleased that our first networking event of 2011 is focused on collaboration with other business resources to the benefit of our own clients and other Corridor businesses,” said Curt Nelson, President & CEO of the EDC. “I would encourage business owners and executives to take advantage of this opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and better understand the business resources at their disposal.”
The importance of developing an entrepreneur-friendly environment was highlighted in a recent article by Dr. Jeff Cornwall. “More and more, we’re finding that both new startups and ongoing high-growth firms have important roles to play in the labor market,” said Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Susan M. Walthall. “Fast-growing firms scattered across the economy create a large share of jobs–and because no one can predict which idea will be the next to catch on, it’s important to create an environment in which a wide spectrum can start up and expand.” (http://www.drjeffcornwall.com/2010/03/the-importance-of-small-busine.html)
Developing an Entrepreneur Eco-System Event Details
When: Tuesday, January 11 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: EDC’s office (230 2nd St. SE, Suite 212 in the Granby Building in downtown Cedar Rapids)
Cost: Free
RSVP: Call 319-369-4955 or visit www.edcinc.org and click on Events
More about the Corridor Business Alliance (http://corridor2020.com)
The CBA was established to create a vital regional economy through the creation and growth of business. Its purpose is to improve and strengthen strategic collaboration among its 12 member organizations to achieve its collective vision as well as to recruit and keep talent in the region.
More about the Cedar Rapids Downtown District (www.downtowncr.org)
The Cedar Rapids Downtown District is a non-profit revitalization partnership committed to cultivating and promoting a dynamic downtown through business advocacy, riverfront enhancement, community development, sustainable infrastructure, flood recovery and first-rate event programming for the benefit of the greater Cedar Rapids community.
More about EDC (www.edcinc.org)
EDC provides economic growth through the development and expansion of entrepreneurial enterprise and has successfully assisted over 400 Iowa-headquartered businesses. Its focus is on creating local wealth for area re-investment by growing and cultivating regional, national and international businesses at all stages-from start-up to mature.
