Project Uplift

1
Project Uplift

• A grassroots community-based entrepreneur
  development approach

2
Project Uplift

• Combines the resources of the Institute for
  Social Economic Developments 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. ISEDs
  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