Hub712 Connects Entrepreneurs with Expertise

Starting a business has always been a thrilling, but challenging concept. With rising interest rates, workforce availability and other factors, today’s economy has made the endeavor extremely daunting, especially in rural communities. The stressful scenario is often a roadblock too wide for many aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate.

“These enterprising individuals are critical to our rural communities, so pairing them with business experts to build the necessary trust and confidence to take those next steps is absolutely critical,” said Rita Frahm, Executive Director with Ida County Economic Development. “That communication and connection is exactly what Hub712 offers.”

This spring, West Central Iowa has set itself on a course to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses with the launch of Hub712, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs and propel business growth.

Located in Carroll, Hub712 is part coworking space, business resource center, and innovation hub. It goes beyond traditional models with a unique blend of resources, services and collaboration to nurture innovation and business success in the rural West Central Iowa communities of Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, Ida, and Sac counties.

Spearheaded by the Carroll County Growth Partnership and numerous partners like the Iowa Economic Development Authority and America’s SBDC Iowa, Hub712 offers a physical space for meeting room rentals, coworking plans, meeting room rentals, one-on-one startup coaching and business mentoring. Hub712 staff is also available for website evaluations, online career certificates, peer learning roundtables and peer learning forums. Many of the possibilities are made possible through substantial funding sources like the Entrepreneurial Investment Award and the Rural Innovation Grant.

However, the potential for Hub712's impact extends beyond its physical space. The initiative leverages the power of a national program launched by the International Economic Development Council to build more equitable, sustainable, and resilient economies. It utilizes 2.5-year fellowship opportunities to match individuals with communities to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to aid area entrepreneurs. The first fellow with Hub712 is Jennifer Luengas-Otto, a banking professional from Storm Lake. Additionally, Hub712 has partnered with the SBDC to offer an Ag Innovation Center, with Ag Innovation Specialist Ray Hansen available to mentor agriculture-related businesses specifically.

Assistance for entrepreneurs

Together, the Hub712 staff has already begun making a difference in the region. Frahm stated that Luengas-Otto’s responsiveness through face-to-face meetings to the needs of the entrepreneurs in Ida County has been exemplary. Luengas-Otto’s responsiveness was on display recently as she worked with a small business owner struggling to complete necessary improvements to a Main Street building.
“So many resources have been dedicated to communities recovering from natural disasters that there have not been many remaining to help entrepreneurs in rural areas,” said Frahm. “In one short meeting, Jennifer presented five different funding prospects to help get that owner on track.”

Train the trainer

Theresa Hildreth is the Executive Director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation, serving a rural area with less than 10,000 people. She took the role in June 2023, her first in economic development, following a successful career in corporate marketing. 

“As such a rural community, Calhoun County is in a bit of a support desert, so I had to look outside for potential assistance, so Hub712 was very intriguing for me as I was learning my role,” she said. “It certainly has presented the opportunity to “train the trainer” and help me help others.”

While Hildreth had the same experience as Frahm regarding Luengas-Otto’s attentiveness to local entrepreneurs, she stated that perhaps the most significant benefit has been the ability through Hub712 to form a relationship with Ray Hansen and the regional SBDC at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. Hildreth has been able to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge there to bring to the business stakeholders and young entrepreneurs in her county.

“Relationships with Hub712 and the SBDC are exactly what rural counties like ours need,” Hildreth said. “We have young, bright entrepreneurs working to fix the problems. With the expert direction Hub712 and the SBDC can provide, we can turn these ideas into successful ventures for our community's success.”

Support for you

Are you an entrepreneur with a vision? Is your business poised for growth? Hub712 can help you soar. Email us at hello@hub712.com, call (712) 775-3687 or stop in at 603 N. Adams St., Carroll, IA, 51401 today to learn more about the resources and support Hub712 can offer you.

Western Iowa Advantage is ready to take on 2024, keeping an eye on education, support, and business tours while tackling workforce attraction and housing. We are committed to facilitating ongoing improvements in our region’s economy, quality of life, and tourism. Contact us today at (712) 792.9914 or info@westerniowaadvantage.com and see how easy it can be!  

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