You're Invited: Rural Young Entrepreneur Summit in Iowa

Since I've posted about our friendly neighbor to the West, I figure it's important to reach a bit South in the Midwest and share about an interesting event that Young Professionals of Iowa (YPIowa) is co-hosting this week in Ames. If you're an entrepreneur, lover of rural life, or just looking for a fun road trip, consider attending. And as always, please let us know if you make the trip and if there are some things Minnesota Rising can learn about the effort next door or if there are ways we'll be able to work together regionally!

Rural (YES) Young Entrepreneur Summit November 9th in Ames Young Professionals of Iowa (YPIowa) along with the Community Vitality Center at ISU, the U.S. Small Business Administration, USDA Rural Development and other partners are co-hosts for a Rural YES (Young Entrepreneur Summit) on November 9th. The summit will be held at the Scheman Building in the Iowa State Center, Ames from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to register for the Rural YES event. The event is free to participating or prospective entrepreneurs. Small Business Administration Deputy Secretary Marie Johns and USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Doug O’Brien will share their perspectives and success stories from around the country. Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will share their perspectives on state initiatives to enhance opportunities for successful rural Entrepreneurs in Iowa. A Panel of Rural Entrepreneurs to be featured include: • Amy Strouth, Prairie Queen Bakery & Restaurant, Sheldon • Pat Palmer, The Computer Guy, Hampton • Mari Holthaus, Kymar Acres, Waukon, & President, Grown Locally Coop, Decorah • Matt Russell, Coyote Run Farm, Lacona Young and emerging entrepreneurs at Rural YES will: • Hear success stories from other rural entrepreneurs, • Listen to and share ideas for improving opportunities for young entrepreneur success in rural America, • Connect with other rural entrepreneurs and support networks. • Shape ideas for a Rural YES Findings Report and future communications to participants and the rural entrepreneur network A free trade show/networking reception featuring local Iowa foods follows the program. Rural YES recognizes outstanding young entrepreneurs and shares their success stories from across rural America to inspire others to participate in creating a rural entrepreneurial cultural. Organizers believe this provides greater opportunity for successful enterprise development and support in the future. The Community Vitality Center is searching for success stories of young entrepreneurs from ruralIowa to be recognized during Rural YES and throughout the next year in a RURAL YES Social Network. Those interested in nominating successful young and emerging rural entrepreneurs are encouraged to fill out a Nomination form and return by email to: cvc@iastate.edu.