In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Kelly Prickett, the Director of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at Indian Hills Community College. Representing the Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Kelly shares a passionate look at how rural entrepreneurship serves as the vital heartbeat of Iowa’s ecosystem.
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The Power of Local Support
Kelly oversees a 10-county region in Southeast Iowa, offering no-cost business counseling to entrepreneurs at every stage—from those with a “napkin sketch” idea to owners looking to sell their legacy. She emphasizes that while metropolitan areas often get the spotlight, rural business owners are equally innovative. The challenge is often simply connecting them to the right resources.
Key Highlights from the Discussion:
- Venture School Goes Rural: Prickett discusses bringing the University of Iowa’s “Venture School” to Ottumwa—the first rural location outside of a Papa John Center. This program focuses on customer discovery and refining the perfect pitch.
- The “Silver Tsunami”: The SBDC is helping rural communities survive the retirement of many business owners by providing business valuations and succession planning to keep local doors open.
- AI as a Tool: As one of five AI-certified counselors in Iowa, Kelly helps small businesses leverage new technology as a tool to handle “grunt work.” All while reminding them that AI can never replace the human passion that defines a local business.
Finally, Kelly’s message to aspiring Iowans is simple: “Don’t be afraid to tell your story”. Whether you are a student with a class project or a “mom and pop” shop ready to scale, there is a massive support network ready to help you succeed.
For more information in your area, visit IowaSBDC.org.