A free event is happening later this week in Jefferson as a way to bring awareness for small businesses.

Greene County ISU Extension and the Small Business Development Center of Iowa are teaming up for the “Energize the Economy Roadshow” event on Thursday from 5-7pm at the Extension office in Jefferson. Greene County Extension Director Lori Mannel says there will be local experts and resources available to help start and grow your business, as well as the America’s SBDC Iowa mobile trailer with resource materials, information about upcoming webinars and SBDC counselors to answer general questions about small businesses. Additionally, there will be kid activities and games and the Greene County Cattlemen’s Association will help to grill burgers for a meal. 

Mannel explains that she’s been on a committee that has worked to revive the local economy for some time and their work has culminated in Thursday’s event.

“We’ve been doing different things (including) our career readiness, our Storywalk to help bring people downtown, the grant writing workshops. A lot of things that we’ve been doing over the past year and a half and this is just kind of the party to celebrate it all. We’re thrilled to have it here. It’s going to be a fun, informal evening.”  

The Energize the Economy Roadshow is free and open to the public.