A new program may allow entrepreneurs in the Quad Cities to launch their ideas sooner than expected. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce have partnered with the
John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Northern Iowa to offer a six-week class called Venture School.
Chamber Vice President Jennifer Walker says most new businesses or products take two years to start up. But Venture School speeds up this process, allowing entrepreneurs to work with mentors and receive customer feedback.
The Venture School starts in March and finishes in mid-April, entrepreneurs will have access to other resources and networking opportunities.
The program has already been offered in Iowa City, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Waterloo.
Walker says anyone can apply to the Quad Cities Venture School, and applications are due February 6th. For interested entrepreneurs, there will be two informational sessions this Thursday at noon and 5:30 at the Quad Cities Chamber office in Davenport.