From the Desk of...

Leisa Fox, ABI

Playing a Role in Iowa’s Burgeoning Entrepreneurial Culture

For the last few years, there have been many forces pushing on ABI to develop some sort of initiative geared at helping Iowa’s newest businesses. Being an association that errs on the side of action, it is time to do something.

In developing the program, our goal is to avoid recreating a wheel or fracturing existing entrepreneurial endeavors. We simply want to help if we can. After a series of meetings with owners of newly formed businesses, it has occurred to us that we do provide value and that the challenge exists in communicating that value to a new audience.

There is no question that ABI is positioned to deliver real, tangible tools and resources to a group with whom we typically don’t interact. Here are just a few:

• Provide a forum for best practices sharing. The opportunity to latch on to the brilliant ideas of others who have gone before is priceless. Even more valuable may be the chance to learn from mistakes made by those that have charted waters we are about to enter.
• Create events that allow for new companies to showcase their products and services to some of Iowa’s most powerful business leaders.
• Foster mentoring relationships with experienced business leaders who are a phone call away when needs arise.
• Magnify the voice of Iowa’s entrepreneurial community in communicating to legislators the continued need for a business climate that encourages innovation, research and free enterprise.

Those of you close to our organization realize that these opportunities already exist. The question is, “how do we communicate this message to this new audience?” For individuals putting out the raging fires of an infant enterprise, cultivating relationships with established business leaders and communicating with legislators may be the farthest things from their minds.

Because there is a role for ABI to play in the success of these organizations, we will be moving forward on a strategy. We feel that helping this very important segment of Iowa’s future economy is a vital contribution in guaranteeing the overall prosperity of the state. If you have suggestions or are interested in helping with this initiative, please call Leisa Fox at 515-235-0575 or email at lfox@iowaabi.org.

As always, thanks for all you do for ABI.