Congressman Braley toured Dubuque and Cedar Falls businesses
Dubuque, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) this week toured two small businesses that were assisted by Small Business Development Centers (SBDC's) in Eastern Iowa. Braley introduced the Main Street Stabilization Act in Congress that helps fifteen Iowa SBDC's provide customized, free and confidential business advice to any small business. Braley also introduced the Support our Startups Act that increases tax deductions available for new startup companies.
"These thriving small businesses are a great way to see important funding at the SBDC and local level making a difference," said Braley. "I have worked hard to ensure that small businesses in Iowa get the assistance they need to succeed. Far Reach and Dubuque Power Equipment, which both received advice from the SBDC, are two great examples of people getting the right information from good resources. I will do everything I can so that the Small Business Administration and SBDC are properly funded and can assist more Iowans to create successful businesses in the future."
Yesterday, Braley toured Dubuque Power Equipment, a shop owned by Karen Ohnesorge. Ohnesorge took a class from Terry Sullivan, director of the SBDC in Eastern Iowa, where she learned a great deal about starting a business, the risks involved, and ways the Small Business Administration could help her achieve her goals. Braley spoke with her about the course, and improvements she would like to see in the program.
Today, Braley toured Far Reach, a local web start-up whose employees were assisted by the UNI Innovation Incubator and the SBDC. After touring the facility, Braley spoke with employees Kate Washut and Chris Rous to discuss how the SBDC helped their company, and how it, and other state and government programs could help small businesses in the future.
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