Level Up:
Small Business Workshop Series
This is a professional development series designed to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive. Tailored to address the unique challenges of running a business, these workshops provide practical tools, expert insights, and actionable strategies for success.
The funding is part of MSWB's Rising Tide Initiative, a four-pronged program funded by a generous grant MSWB secured from the Iowa Rural Development Council and the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Presenter: Devon Inman
Experience Tax Solutions
Thursday, February 19, 2026
5:30-6:30pm
Rummells Center
Tax Tips for Small Businesses
Navigating taxes can be one of the trickiest parts of running a small business—but it doesn’t have to be. Join Devon, a seasoned financial advisor and Enrolled Agent, as he breaks down practical strategies and tips to help small business owners stay compliant, maximize deductions, and plan for growth. Raised by a serial entrepreneur, Devon combines real-world business experience with expert financial insight, making complex numbers approachable and actionable for dreamers and doers alike.

Presenter: Tom Altman
Altus CXO
Thursday, November 20, 2025
5:30-6:30pm
Rummells Center
AI Readiness for Small Businesses
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for large corporations - it’s becoming a practical tool for small businesses to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and uncover new opportunities. In this session, Tom Altman from Altus CXO will walk through how businesses can assess their AI readiness using the ClearXO framework - a simple, structured approach to document systems and processes, identify gaps, and uncover where automation and AI can make the biggest impact. The session will include a live Q&A to help attendees apply these ideas directly to their own organizations.

Presenter: Jay Cooper
EntrePartners
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
5:30-6:30pm
Rummells Center
Community Resources for New & Growing Businesses
This workshop is designed for aspiring and current business owners who want to take their ventures to the next level. Topics to be discussed include a checklist of steps every business owner needs to complete in order to avoid problems down the road; free resources available to business owners to scale their ventures; opportunities available in the area to promote their business and their network; and ways to access capital to grow their business. The session will be led by Jay Cooper, Executive Director of EntrePartners, a nonprofit based in Iowa City that helps business owners struggling to take their first or next step.

Presenter: Alex Buchheit
Inspired Connection Agency
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
5:30-6:30pm
Rummells Center
Making the Most of Your Marketing Content
You’ve taken the time to create high-quality content—photos, videos, graphics, reels—but now it’s just sitting there. Don’t let it collect dust!
In this action-oriented workshop, Alex Buchheit of Inspired Connection Agency will show you how to put that content to work. Designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs, this session dives into how to reuse and repurpose the content you already have to increase visibility, boost engagement, and drive results—without having to constantly create something new.

Presenter: Alyssa Summers
Digital Marketing Strategist
Acumen Studio
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
5:30-6:30pm
Rummells Center
Maximizing Social Media for Small Business Growth
Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses to build brand awareness, engage customers, and drive sales. Join us for this session designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners create a winning social media strategy. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing efforts, this session will provide practical insights, hands-on activities, and actionable tips to grow your online presence.

Presenter: Robin Springer
Financial Consultant & Business Strategist
Robin Springer Consulting
Thursday, March 13, 2025
5:30-6:30pm
Rummells Center
In the Flow with Cash
Break the spell of money, in this workshop you will:
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Demystify the jargon by explaining the language of business finance in real words
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Bring order to chaos by providing structure for tracking finances
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Gaze into a crystal ball by illustrating income & expense forecasting
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Get in the flow by creating a cashflow statement that works for you
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Release fear by gaining insight into your money stories





