Regional Entrepreneurs Association Dennis Molitor CEED Carroll County

Regional Entrepreneurs Association Dennis Molitor, CEED Carroll County

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • Purpose of R. E. A • Revitalize Rural Communities do to: • Loss of manufacturing jobs • Imminent loss of farm subsidies

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • Purpose if R. E. A. • Introduce Entrepreneurial Culture • Provide network for entrepreneurs

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • R. E. A. Background • Local leaders assessed local need • Feedback was strongly positive

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • R. E. A. Background • Challenge grant from Community Vitality Center was secured • List of entrepreneurs was developed

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • R. E. A. Background • Organizational meeting was held October 17, 2005, with 26 participants • Monthly meeting attendance ranges from 12 to 42

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • R. E. A. Background • R. E. A. member developed logo

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • R. E. A. Background • R. E. A. member developed web site • www. iowaentrepreneurs. com/

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • R. E. A. Today • Monthly meetings are held • R. E. A. member facilitates the meetings

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • R. E. A. Today • Monthly meeting format • Speaker • Focus Group • Networking

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • Impact • Carroll one of four communities selected for My. Entre. net program • Compliments the R. E. A.

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • Impact • Ten participating business owners expanded their businesses • Seventeen business owners credit the R. E. A. for giving them a business idea

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • Impact • Three stated an economic impact of over $1000. 00 • Thirty-three members said R. E. A. was an effective way to network with other entrepreneurs

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • Comments from members: “I wish there were an organization like this when I started my business five years ago!” “I am really excited about attending the monthly meetings. Finally someone to relate to and get ideas from” “I enjoy attending the monthly meetings because everyone is so positive”

Regional Entrepreneurs Association • Organizational challenges • Identify others in the community involved in economic development • Establish criteria for selecting advisory committee members

Regional Entrepreneurs Association