Keokuk, IA – Keokuk hopes a small packet of information will result in big economic growth.
The keynote speaker at the recent Tri-State Development Summit said one thing cities could do to encourage entrepreneurship is develop a "how-to" guide for available resources. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie O'Brien says Keokuk worked on its version for more than one year.
The 18-page guide is now available to the public at no cost. O'Brien says it can be picked up at locations throughout Keokuk or online.
O'Brien says Keokuk's resource guide will make things much easier for potential business owners. She says, in the past, an entrepreneur would have to compile the information themselves after multiple referrals.
A Guide To Starting A Business in Keokuk, Iowa includes a checklist for what to do before, during, and after the start-up. It also contains contact information, demographics, permit requirements, tax guides, and available financial assistance programs.
O'Brien says the guide would also benefit current businesses looking to grow and expand. She says the list of incentives include local, state, and federal programs.
The guide highlights the Small Business Development Center in Burlington. O'Brien says that facility is a great resource when it comes to crafting a business plan or studying market trends.
The guide was identified as a need in Keokuk's Vision Plan for Action.