Small Business Development Program
Helping Entrepreneurs Start and Grow Their Businesses
Personalized, in-language coaching and resources that help small business owners build strong, sustainable businesses.
Welcome to LSI’s Early Childhood Services — where every family’s journey into parenthood is supported with compassionate, research-based care.
Becoming a new parent can feel overwhelming, and LSI understands that the earliest years of a child’s life lay the foundation for lifelong growth and well-being. Through in-home support, group connections, and tailored resources, our programs are designed to empower families from pregnancy through early childhood, helping parents build confidence, nurture healthy development, and connect with the community around them. From personalized home visits to support conversations and parent education, LSI walks beside you every step of the way as your family thrives.
Our Small Business Services
Business Coaching
Trained, multi-lingual business coaches offer personalized, one-on-one technical assistance to small business owners on a wide range of topics — from business planning to day-to-day operations.
Workshops and Training
Join in-language group and workshop-based training, offered both in person at LSI and remotely. Topics include business planning, marketing, business operations, financial management, and more.
Access to Capital
Get screened and referred to community lenders for business loans. LSI also connects business owners to our financial coaches, credit counseling, and credit-building loan products for those who need to prioritize personal financial health first.
Free Business Events
LSI frequently offers free participation in business events through our partners, including the Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit and Athene's Beyond Borders Business Event. We also refer clients to available capital and help with the application process.
Free Workshops, Resources, and Event
LSI frequently offers free participation in business events through our partners, including the Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit and Athene's Beyond Borders Business Event. We also refer clients to available capital and help with the application process.
Free Counseling
Get connected to your own personalized business counseling. In one-on-one sessions — held by phone, video, or in person, whatever works best for you — a business counselor will start with an assessment and help connect you to the resources you need, including business planning, marketing, business operations, financial management, and referrals to business and credit-building loans. Interpretation is provided.
We also provide one-on-one financial coaching for low- to moderate-income individuals and entrepreneurs.
Our statewide partnership focuses on strengthening businesses in agriculture, in-home businesses, childcare services, food service and restaurants, retail, and more. Together, we look forward to supporting diverse businesses across Iowa with culturally and linguistically accessible support, ensuring economic growth and opportunity for all Iowans in the years ahead.
Interested in Our
Small Business Childhood Services?
To get in touch and learn more about our programs, please fill out our contact form. An LSI team member will respond to you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. LSI’s Small Business Development Program services are free, thanks to support from our funding partners except for certain times of specialized training where a subsidized rate is available.
No. Coaching, workshops, and counseling are offered in a number of languages, and interpretation is provided.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners across a range of industries — including agriculture, in-home businesses, childcare, food service, retail, and more — are welcome. Whether you’re starting a new business or growing an existing one, we’re here to help.
Yes. Our statewide partnership brings culturally and linguistically accessible business support to entrepreneurs throughout Iowa.
One-on-one counseling sessions can be held over the phone, by video call, or in person — whatever works best for you.
OUR IMPACT
When your business thrives, your whole community thrives! That’s what we believe at LSI.
Business Growth
We work with you to provide parenting education and connect you with local parenting resources.
Financial Confidence
Through coaching and credit-building resources, entrepreneurs build the financial foundation their business needs to succeed.
A Stronger Iowa
Diverse, thriving small businesses strengthen local economies and communities across the state.