|
AMES, Iowa - America’s SBDC Iowa (SBDC) is pleased to announce Anna Woodward as the new North Central Iowa SBDC Regional Director.
In her new role, Woodward will lead the regional SBDC and work directly with entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout North Central Iowa, providing confidential, no-cost business counseling and connecting businesses with resources to help them start, grow, and succeed.
The NCI SBDC serves businesses and entrepreneurs across 12 counties: Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster and Wright. Services include business planning, financial projections, accessing capital and financial assistance, marketing, human resources, permits and licensing, business transition and succession planning, and other individualized business support.
Woodward states, "I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to step into a role that aligns so closely with my background and passion for supporting small business. I look forward to building meaningful partnerships, fostering innovative ideas, and helping create new opportunities for new and existing businesses across the Iowa Central region and beyond."
Woodward brings experience in community and economic development, business support and regional outreach to the position. Before joining Iowa Central, she served as director of the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce, where she worked to support local businesses, strengthen community partnerships and create opportunities for entrepreneurs. She joined Iowa Central in 2025 and has most recently served as Assistant Director of Economic Development, working with regional employers and community partners on workforce development and customized training initiatives.
Her work at Iowa Central has included partnerships with businesses across the region to address workforce needs and provide customized training. She has worked with employers on initiatives ranging from industrial and safety training to programs designed to strengthen employee skills and support business growth.
Austin Strawhacker, State Director, America's SBDC Iowa, says, "We are excited to welcome Anna Woodward as the next Regional Director of the North Central Iowa SBDC at Iowa Central Community College. Anna's strong record of building partnerships and supporting small businesses combined with her experience in economic development and chamber leadership will make her an exceptional resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout north central Iowa."
As Regional Small Business Development Director, Woodward will oversee the center's operations, develop relationships with regional stakeholders and economic development organizations, identify emerging needs among small businesses, and develop workshops and educational opportunities to address those needs.
The NCI SBDC is part of the statewide Iowa SBDC network, which provides resources and support to entrepreneurs and small businesses across Iowa. Through Iowa Central, regional businesses can access individualized counseling and resources at no cost.
To learn more about the North Central Iowa Small Business Development Center or connect with a business advisor, visit Iowa Central's Small Business Development Center page or call 515-574-1997.
America’s SBDC Iowa is an outreach program of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, Hotline 515-294-1222, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, America’s SBDC Iowa has 15 regional assistance centers located strategically across the state. Since program inception in 1981, the SBDC has helped Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs through no fee, confidential, customized, professional business counseling and practical, affordable training workshops.
For more information on America’s SBDC Iowa programs or services, call (515) 294-2030 or visit www.iowasbdc.org, https://www.facebook.com/AmericasSBDCIowa, or https://www.instagram.com/iowasbdc/.
Press Contacts:
Austin Strawhacker, America’s SBDC Iowa, 515-294-2030, astraw@iastate.edu
| 
