November 18, 2020
FMTC Launches Business Lab to Support Local Businesses
Entrepreneurs and business owners who are served by FMTC for Internet or other services now have a new set of tools to launch, manage, and grow their business - the Business Lab.
The Business Lab provides a variety of high-quality business support services that entrepreneurs (including both new and established businesses) can access, at no cost. All Business Lab services are delivered remotely via video conferencing, making it easy to use these resources to grow your business.
“One of our goals when we invested in fiber to everyone – was to provide unmatched Internet capability and in turn opportunities for people to start, run, grow or relocate their business ventures to areas we serve in southwest Iowa,” said Kevin Cabbage, FMTC’s CEO. “The Business Lab and the free services it provides – attempts to help customers very directly.”
The Businesss Lab is designed to provide not just tools, but solutions, that quickly and effectively helps businesses achieve their goals. Services include 1:1 startup and business management coaching, peer-learning opportunities, and access to industry experts around a variety of topics. Local businesses can access the Business Lab 24/7 and take advantage of the available services remotely, from anywhere, using this link
“The services the Lab provides are free to customers of FMTC. But, don’t let the lack of cost fool you. The info/assistance Lab staff offers is all about results…helping your business become successful,” said Cabbage.
The new Business Lab is possible thanks to a partnership with Rural Ideas Network, a national nonprofit organization that partners with rural communities and economic development organizations to provide a robust set of services to entrepreneurs.
Executive leader Jordan DeGree said, “At the Rural Ideas Network, we're seeing a growing number of rural communities across the country refocus their economic development efforts on supporting the entrepreneurs who are already within their communities,” he continued, “this ‘grow your own’ approach to economic development makes a lot of sense when you consider that more than 50% of jobs in this country are generated by small businesses. We're thrilled to help businesses in communities who are served by FMTC.”
About FMTC
On the surface, FMTC is a communications company bringing customers in rural southwest Iowa ultra-fast, ultra-reliable, unlimited Internet, TV and phone service. Their FCC regulated service areas of Stanton, Villisca, New Market, Nodaway and Bethesda got fiber to the home in 2016, and now FMTC has set its sights on bringing fiber to unserved customers in Montgomery, Page, Taylor and Adams counties. In the process, we are working to bring economic opportunities to these four counties and our regional community in southwest Iowa.
When you can work from anywhere because your Internet is the best in the world you can choose to have the way of life that you want to have. We are here to help you grow your business and create opportunities in southwest Iowa and beyond.
Rural Ideas Network
The Rural Ideas Network is a national nonprofit association that helps rural entrepreneurs and communities spark growth. Launched in early 2020, the Rural Ideas Network designs and delivers a growing set of services tailored to meet the unique needs of rural entrepreneurs. In addition to providing a collective voice for rural entrepreneurs, the Rural Ideas Network also partners with rural community organizations to power local entrepreneur support efforts. For more information contact us at hello@ruralideas.net. Visit the network and start a free network membership at https://ruralideas.net.
For more information contact:
Jenna Ramsey at (712) 829-7340
Kevin Cabbage at (712) 829-2111