If you're thinking of starting a new business in Glenwood or Mills County there are a few things you should be asking yourself and a few tips we can give you to help make your decision making process easier.

The number one piece of advice is to talk with your family members, spouse, mentor, attorney and banker to brainstorm your business idea. The people closest to you can sometimes help you "see" things that you don't and can provide you valuable advice about the need and possible success for your proposed business in the community, the best legal structure for your idea, how you might finance the start-up and the first year's cashflow, etc.

Once you've determined your proposed business makes sense for you, your family and the community, then you're ready to take the next step and that begins by asking yourself a few questions:

What is your proposed business? Will it be based in your home or will you be seeking a store-front? Will customers/clients come to your business location and need to park? Will you have signs? There are many more questions you need to be asking yourself and there are many people right here in your local community eager to help.

ZONING
Keep in mind that there have been recent major zoning changes in Mills County, and the City of Glenwood has long had Planning Zones in regard to allowed usage.

Mills County E-Team advice is to begin with the proper Code Enforcement office when considering your business venture.

Mills County:
Kevin Mayberry
Mills County Zoning Administrator
(712) 527-4873

City of Glenwood:
Jim Webel
Code Enforcement Officer
(712) 527-4717
http://home.mchsi.com/~cityofglenwood

Each of these local offices can help you walk through the process of determining if your business and possible location meet zoning codes, help you determine what permits you may need, and advise you on who to see next in trying to make your business dream a reality.

EXPERT ADVICE:
DO NOT rent, lease or buy a storefront or building, or begin doing business from your home, without first checking on zoning, permits, and even possible covenants for your neighborhood.

Other Resources:

Mills County Entrepreneur Team (E-Team)
Mark Ford, Chair
(712) 527-0787
m.ford@ffgroupconsulting.com

Glenwood Chamber of Commerce
(712) 527-3298
http://www.glenwoodia.com

Mills County Offices
Recorder, Auditor, Treasurer
http://www.millscoia.us

Entrepreneurial Center
Iowa Western Community College
(800) 432-5852 ext. 3309
http://www.iwccecenter.com

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Southwest Iowa Center
(800) 432-5852 ext. 3350
http://www.iwcc.cc.ia.us/ewd/sbdc.asp

Rural Development Resource Center (RDRC)
Southwest Iowa Center
(712) 623-5521
http://www.enterprisingiowans.com

Renew Rural Iowa Program
Iowa Farm Bureau
(800) 254-9670
http://www.renewruraliowa.com

State of Iowa Department of Revenue
(800) 367-3388 (sales tax permits, liquor and tobacco licensing, etc.)
http://www.iowa.gov/tax

State of Iowa Secretary of State
Business Services (register your new business)
(515) 281-5204
http://www.sos.state.ia.us

More Resources are coming soon. Please check back.