If you watched the State of the Union last week (and it was hard to avoid on TV), you’ll probably remember the President’s theme on innovation, jobs, and encouraging small business.  The White House has used the past couple days to follow up on that message with some proposed policy and new initiatives.  The big thing in regards to policy seems to be the President’s push to make permanent the elimination of capital gains taxes on investments held by small businesses, provided they are held a minimum of 5 years.  It’s an extension to a policy that was part of 2010’s Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2010, but expires December 31st 2011.     On the new initiative side, the White House is partnering up with the Kauffman Foundation and Steve Case, of AOL fame, to put together what they are calling the Startup America Partnership.  Some of their main charges will be providing easier access to capital, offering mentoring... [More]

Argueta's successful endeavor marks its 10th anniversary. By: Rex L. Troute, Business Editor The Burlington Hawk Eye  MOUNT PLEASANT - Until Oscar Argueta and his El Heraldo Hispano newspaper came along, few businesses tried to reach customers in the Hispanic population. Argueta's endeavor has helped connect the Hispanic community, and given them a voice as the newspaper celebrates its 10th anniversary at the end of the month. Argueta, a native of Guatemala, started El Heraldo Hispano on Sept. 1, 2000. The first issue sported four pages, and Argueta was the only employee for the first six years. Today, there are a total of three employees, and most issues consist of 24 pages of stories and advertising. The reach of El Heraldo Hispano goes from Des Moines to western Illinois, and is distributed free of charge in 32 cities. "I was not a businessman," said Argueta. "I started it because I love to write." The Spanish newspaper gave businesses an avenue to relay the... [More]

Did you know that over 900 listings of funding opportunities are all in an easy to search directory on MyEntre.Net? You can find most, if not all, of the local grants, loans, and city financial incentive programs for start-up or existing business owners in Iowa via our MyEntre.Net Money Map! To get started, all you need to do is log in to MyEntre.Net and click on the money tab along the top toolbar. Once at the money screen, you can click on the ‘State Programs’ picture [see image left] to be taken to a list of the financial resources provided to all Iowan start up or existing businesses. For instance you could read about the Increasing Options Program, which provides loan guarantees (security for loans) for qualified entrepreneurs who do not have enough collateral to secure a loan with a bank or microlenders. Maybe you’ll stumble across the IowaMicroLoan, a program that provides loans of $5,000 up to $35,000 for a six year term, even to those individuals wi... [More]

Did you know that on MyEntre.Net you can buy & sell inventory, businesses, products, equipment, furniture, assistance equipment, and real estate to other small businesses in Iowa? To find the Buy & Sell section of MyEntre.Net, simply click on the 'Buy & Sell' link along the top homepage menu. Once at the Buy & Sell page you can select from the many different categories listed: To sell an item on MyEntre.Net- it's easy. Just find and click on the 'Sell Something' link found on the right hand side of the Buy & Sell page, and fill out the form that appears. Click here to look through the Buy & Sell section to find equipment, inventory, real estate, and even other businesses that are for sale for free on MyEntre.Net!