Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) - CIRAS assists companies with management, production, marketing, engineering, finance and technology problems. CIRAS helps bring firms into contact with resource people, organizations and agencies that can help provide solutions. Contact: CIRAS, ISU Research Park, 2501 North Loop Park, Suite 500 Ames, IA 50010-8286 ((515-294-3420) ciras@iastate.edu.
Cooperative Services - This group provides free technical assistance to help rural residents form new cooperative ventures and improve existing operations. Contact: USDA - Rural Development, 873 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515-284-4714)
Institute of Social and Economic Development (ISED) - ISED focuses on helping minorities, women, persons with disabilities and low-income individuals by encouraging self-sufficiency through the growth of small business and self-employment opportunities, and provides services for any person who wants to start or expand a business employing up to five employees. Iowa Contact: Jason Friedman, vice-president, 1901 Broadway, Suite 313, Iowa City, IA 52240, 319-338-2331, jfriedman@ised.org.
Iowa Procurement Outreach Center (IPOC) - IPOC helps Iowa businesses successfully compete for federal government contracts. The Center helps locate bar coding suppliers, reviews bid documents and provides information on contract administration and general consulting. Contact: Iowa Department of Economic Development, 200 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309 (515-242-4888 or 800-458-4465) .
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - SCORE features retired businessmen and businesswomen who volunteer their time to counsel and assist those starting a business or encountering business challenges. Contact: SCORE, Federal Building, Room 749, 210 Walnut, Des Moines, IA 50309, 515-284-4760.
Iowa Small Business Ombudsman was established to increase government's responsiveness and sensitivity to the needs of small businesses. The Ombudsman acts as a liaison between businesses and various government bodies and departments. Contact: Iowa Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman, 215 East 7th Street, Capital Complex, Des Moines, IA 50319 (515-281-3592).
Virtual Management Assistance Program - This program maintains and monitors a comprehensive and confidential database system designed to act as a clearinghouse to foster business-to-business connections by connecting entrepreneurs with management consultants and/or strategic alliance partners. Contact: Iowa Department of Economic Development Small Business Resource Office, 200 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309 (515-242-4704).