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Project Uplift

Project Uplift. A grassroots community-based entrepreneur development approach. Project Uplift. Combines the resources of the Institute for Social & Economic Development’s Iowa subsidiary, ISED Ventures, with resources of Lutheran Services in Iowa and the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Iowa.

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Project Uplift

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  1. Project Uplift A grassroots community-based entrepreneur development approach

  2. Project Uplift • Combines the resources of the Institute for Social & Economic Development’s Iowa subsidiary, ISED Ventures, with resources of Lutheran Services in Iowa and the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Iowa. • ISED specialized in microenterprise and works with low-moderate income residents. ISED’s mission is to strengthen individuals and communities through poverty alleviation.

  3. ISED Ventures and LSI • ISED Ventures provides small business training, counseling, and access to business capital. • LSI and Churches provide physical classroom space, business incubator space, volunteer/mentor network, and community recognition. LSI recognized as social ministry arm of ELCA (refugee, adoption, substance abuse, family sustainability).

  4. Why Project Uplift • New approach to community entrepreneur development • ISED, LSI and Churches sought to create jobs and build a strong economic base to create sustainable communities. • Ecumenical – other denominations and community organizations involved

  5. What does Project Uplift involve? • Small business classes (10 weeks, develop business plan, includes consultation of business advisor) • Pilot class in Storm Lake October 19 at St. Mark Lutheran Church • Includes feasibility assessment, marketing, bookkeeping, taxes, access to markets, use of the Internet, business financing, and surviving year one.

  6. Microenterprise creates jobs • Self-employment to five or fewer employees • Supplements wages or reduces need for public assistance • Microentrepreneurs today become the Cabellas of tomorrow (John Ruan, Marvin Pomerantz)

  7. Next steps • Social investment • Additional pilots – Waterloo, Des Moines, Sheldon, Council Bluffs, Pomeroy • Link to other asset development strategies (Earned Income Tax Credit, Individual Development Accounts) • Link to other economic development strategies

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