The answer to improving Iowa's economy lies more with igniting startup companies such as BodyViz, Dwolla and Sensr than luring big companies like Google, IBM and Microsoft to the state, influential business leaders believe.
Members of the newly created Iowa Innovation Council say the state needs to drive its economy through innovation, a long-term structural change that promises Iowans better-paying jobs.
The group plans to start a seed fund, used to invest in young companies, raising as much as $100 million in private investment within three years. The fund would invest $500,000 to $3 million in promising startup companies, targeting bioscience, advanced manufacturing and information technology, organizers say.
Innovation America and Rich Bendis have the priviledge of consulting with the Iowa Innovation Council to develop a proactive, long term Innovation Road Map and implementation plan. Iowa has the opportunity to emerge as a new leader in Innovation Based Economic Development and enjoys the public/private partnership support and leadership necessary to execute its strategy.
To read the full, original article click on this link: A new plan for nurturing business | desmoinesregister.com | The Des Moines Register
Author: DONNELLE ELLER
