Next Air Date
No information available.

 

Small businesses play an ever-important part in the economies of the communities and regions of Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa. Many area businesses start as small, local initiatives and grow into the regional, national, and international powerhouses that help drive many economies.

Individuals who embark upon the quest to start a small business are often left on their own to find resources, information, and assistance in starting a business. Small Business Connections aims to provide viewers a window into the small business world and the opportunity to learn more. The series will highlight the contributions of current small businesses and the many different aspects of starting a new business.

 

Pam Bishop
Business Senior Program Officer

Pam Bishop is the Business Senior Program Officer at the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. Her responsibilities include strategy implementation and program management of The Foundation’s regional business and economic development goals. This includes business financing programs, business management services and economic development initiatives which further the areas ability to foster productive businesses and vibrant economies for the benefit of all its residents.

She is a former Director of Regional Business Development Services at (NIACC) North Iowa Area Community College/John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center in Mason City, IA. Her primary responsibilities included the development and implementation of the new Accelerator Program funded through the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Responsibilities included providing consultation and business delivery solutions for north Iowa companies.
Prior to her work at NIACC, she was the Executive Vice President of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency in Albert Lea, MN, where she was instrumental in the creation and operation of a 41,000 square foot mixed use business incubator. She directed the incubation organization for three years which reached 90 percent occupancy within its first year of operation. As part of her responsibilities she provided marketing support services consultation and business analysis and assessment for start-up and emerging companies. She also held responsibilities in developing business recruitment proposals and retaining existing business.

Pam received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Her background includes over 10 years in economic development in southern Minnesota. She also has 10 years of experience in the field of journalism, including radio and newspaper.

She lives in Glenville, Minnesota with her husband, Kevin and son, Colin. Interests include golf, snowmobiling, walking and camping.

 

Special Thanks...

Mark Olchefske, Director, North Iowa Accelerator/Incubator