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personal growth<br />
leadership<br />
determination<br />
business development<br />
influence<br />
like how to prepare the business plan, register the business, etc. The<br />
SBDC has helped in every step of the process. I still receive information<br />
about seminars and online courses to help to grow my business. Take<br />
advantage of the resources they give you at no cost.<br />
Why is it important for the community to support startups and<br />
small businesses? What more can be done to help them?<br />
Small business and business owners are an important part of the<br />
community in which we live and work, we are a source for jobs.<br />
Supporting small business by consuming their products and services<br />
and consuming local is important. Recommend our businesses to friends<br />
and family members. Small businesses rely on word of mouth and good<br />
recommendations.<br />
What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when<br />
starting your business?<br />
I wish I had a clear picture of the road map that needs to be followed to<br />
start a business as well as all the guidance the SBDC offers, it would have<br />
saved me so much time, money and headaches.<br />
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a<br />
business?<br />
Just start with a list of ideas. Looking for the why is essential. Why would<br />
you like to start a business? Set your goals and review them often. Use the<br />
resources and the assistance the SBDC offers and other online resources.<br />
Coursera, EdX are also great resources for entrepreneurial online courses.<br />
But the main piece of advice I would give to anyone is that no matter<br />
what obstacles you find do not lose motivation. This is an overwhelming<br />
process but working on one small task every day will lead you to finish<br />
big projects. Perseverance and motivation are extremely important.<br />
How can the community continue to help your business?<br />
Visit our website www.ohanapearlsbykira.com and our Facebook page at<br />
ohanapearlsbykira or email us to pearlsohana@gmail.com. Recommend<br />
us to your friends and family, that is the best you can do for us. We value<br />
the word of mouth recommendations.<br />
What are some future goals for your company?<br />
Increase and diversify the way we market our product in order to expand<br />
our sales.<br />
Offer more products for brides and bridal parties.<br />
Have a physical location for the business, like a little boutique.<br />
Obtain a Pearl Specialist Certificate by the Gemology Institute of America.<br />
We also want to explore new designs made with American mine gems,<br />
which are so rare and beautiful.<br />
Thank you for reading about our company, we are looking forward to<br />
serving you!<br />
Kira Corea is the owner of Ohana Pearls.<br />
Photo contributed by Kira Corea.<br />
IAWESTCOAST.COM I 866.537.6052<br />
Entrepreneurs and small business owners now have<br />
access to an information specialist who can assist you<br />
in finding solutions to your most pressing questions by<br />
facilitating connections to the right people, data, and<br />
resources.<br />
IASOURCELINK.COM I 866.537.6052<br />
IASourceLink is the premiere business resource in Iowa<br />
for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Free<br />
business webinars, expert advice, and a searchable<br />
directory of organizations that assist Iowa businesses can<br />
all be found on IASourceLink.<br />
IOWASBDC.ORG I 712.274.6454<br />
Do you need free, confidential and customized business<br />
counseling? Contact SBDC for advice on developing a<br />
successful business plan.<br />
SIOUXLANDEDC.COM I 712.279.6430<br />
<strong>Siouxland</strong> Economic Development Corporation offers<br />
financial assistance programs and services to assist<br />
small and medium sized businesses in getting started or<br />
expanding.<br />
MAKERSPACESIOUXCITY.ORG I 712.251.6050<br />
MakerSpace Sioux City offers shared space for hobbyists,<br />
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SPRINGBOARDCOWORKING.COM I 515.809.0052<br />
Springboard Coworking offers shared office space in<br />
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the best elements of cafe culture with a productive,<br />
functional, and affordable work environment.<br />
ISUSTARTUPFACTORY.ORG I 515.294.7444<br />
ISU Startup Factory is designed to help businesses bring<br />
new products to the market and work with companies to<br />
make them attractive to outside capital investors.<br />
VENTURENETIOWA.COM I 515.471.1300<br />
VentureNet Iowa connects ideas to resources,<br />
management, and investors, to create jobs and build<br />
businesses in Iowa. If you have a business idea in the<br />
areas of Biosciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Value-<br />
Added Ag, or Information Technology, you may qualify<br />
for assistance through VentureNet Iowa.<br />
Did you use one of these great resources? We<br />
want to share your story! Visit our website at<br />
siouxlandmagazine.com, fill out the form and connect<br />
with us today!
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