(Spencer)– The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is looking for nominations for its “Community Champions” program. Spokesman Brian Dalziel says it’s part of their initiative to help secure the future of small businesses in the region…
“We have 270 Community Champions right now. We would like those folks to consider nominating an individual not just to come here and get a job, but to come here potentially to buy a business. And if they know a business owner today that might be approaching retirement, we encourage that individual to reach out to us so that they can be a part of this program. There is a new app under development that will work in partnership with the Get A Lakes Life app, and we’re real excited about how this is going to play out going forward.”
Dalziel adds they’re very sensitive to the fact that some owners who are either looking to retire and or sell their business prefer to keep that private…
“So many business owners don’t want to even talk about succession or hint at it because they’re afraid they’re going to lose customers. I understand that. That’s a very rational, logical position to take and it makes sense. But we have ways that we can market their business and make confidential introductions to prospective buyers in ways that don’t tip off the general public to what they’re doing.”
Dalziel says that’s a critical part of a new program they’ve put together thanks in large part to a business succession grant that was recently awarded jointly to the Corridor and Buena Vista University…
“We’ve created a program that will help us to reach out to prospective buyers that will help skill them and train them and prepare them for the rigors of business ownership. And then we have a proven process that we’re developing that will help make sure that happens successfully.”
You can find more information on the program at lakescorridor.com or by contacting the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation’s office in Spencer at (712) 264-3474.
