Midwest Partnership is partnering with the University of Northern Iowa’s Business and Community Service Department to host a pilot program in Panora.

Midwest Partnership Executive Director Sarah Gomez says yesterday and today they are doing a program called “Panora Small Business Visit Blitz.” Midwest Partnership, UNI and local representatives are visiting several small to midsized businesses in Panora to thank them for their effort and commitment to the community and will also have them fill out surveys. She explains what Midwest Partnership will do with the results from the surveys.

“How can we provide better services and better opportunities for small businesses to succeed. It gives us an opportunity to figure out and understand, what are the challenges that Panora businesses are facing, or what are their strengths and how are they being successful in their business.”

She stresses how crucial small businesses are in Midwest Partnership’s four-county region of Guthrie, Greene, Audubon and Adair counties.

“They’re the nuts and bolts of our communities. They’re what makes our communities work, and be unique and special. The small businesses are the most important part of our communities. We’re excited to roll this program out and show our appreciation for that.”

Gomez is hoping to utilize the same program in other communities in the four-county region.