Corridor to begin weekly entrepreneurial networking events

IOWA LAKES CORRIDOR TO BEGIN WEEKLY ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORKING EVENTS

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) has announced the start of Corridor Connect, a free networking and educational event that will occur weekly throughout the four-county Corridor region.

Corridor Connect is a free, open-to-the-public event to give entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to learn, grow and create valuable connections with others in the entrepreneurial network within the Corridor region. These events will happen weekly from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at various venues in the Corridor.

At each meeting, two local companies will share what they do and both challenges and successes they are seeing as they grow their businesses. After the presentations, attendees have an opportunity to ask questions and network with other entrepreneurs and business support organizations.

“We are looking forward to highlighting the many successful small businesses in our community while giving both presenters and audience a chance to learn from each other,” said Corridor Vice President of Business Development Tom Nelson. “The Corridor Connect events will be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners to get connected with a robust support network looking for them to succeed.”

A national entrepreneurship boom is now occurring as entrepreneurs starting new businesses has reached historic highs. This is a positive sign for the future of the economy and welcome news as an economic boost to replace economic activity and businesses lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first third of each year is typically when most new businesses start. Every month in 2021 resulted in the highest number of new business starts compared to the same month for the past 15 years.

The first four Corridor Connect events are set for the following dates:

• March 23 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at The Foundry in Storm Lake
• April 6 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber in Arnolds Park
• April 13 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Spencer Collaborative in Spencer
• April 21 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Studio 12 in Estherville

To RSVP for these events or are interested in presenting or being a mentor, please contact the Corridor at 712-264-3474 or info@lakescorridor.com.

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The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. Its mission is to foster, encourage, aid, promote or otherwise assist in the economic growth and development of the region. For more information about the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, call 712-264-3474 or visit www.lakescorridor.com.