By ISU EXTENSION

 Rural stakeholders interested in learning about Iowa’s emerging rural investor networks for agricultural technology and strategic rural ventures are invited to an educational workshop titled, “Strategies for Angel Investing.” The workshop is organized by an initiative called the Iowa Rural Equity Project (IREP) and collaborators including ISU Extension and Outreach.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Cerro Gordo County will be co-hosting the program from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Music Man Square, 308 S Pennsylvania Ave, Mason City, IA. The local workshop is being co-sponsored by Ag Ventures Alliance and will follow other Ag Ventures Alliance Annual Meeting activities. Dr. Mark Edelman, ISU Extension Ag Economist will be presenting the program.

“With the uncertainty in agricultural trade, farm policy, and the rural economy; rural stakeholders have been showing interest in examining alternative investment opportunities that can lead to personal income growth as well as community economic vitality in rural regions,” said John Sjolinder, Regional Director.

Participants of the workshop will explore (1) Iowa’s current landscape and ecosystem for Ag Tech and strategic rural ventures, (2) Ag Tech and rural innovation opportunities, and (3) strategies and networks for angel investing. The program will conclude with a local preference survey and discussion regarding the alternative networks and follow-up programs.

There is no registration fee, but please register for the program by calling 641-423-0844 or emailing jblick@iastate.edu, so local hosts can accurately plan for materials and refreshments.

Professor Edelman has conducted research on rural capital since the 1980s and is Director of the Community Vitality Center at Iowa State University, which supports rural entrepreneurship, philanthropy, rural demonstration projects. Edelman has co-founded and advised several rural ventures involved in rural housing, biofuels, microfinance, and investor networks. Previously, Edelman served on boards of Land O’Lakes, Amaizing Energy, and Boone City Council. He currently serves on Ag Ventures Alliance Board, SBDC State Advisory Committee, and Iowa Rural Development Council. Edelman has co-authored columns for Agri-Pulse Communications. Successful Farming, Farm Journal, and Extension during his career.

The “Strategies for Angel Investing” initiative is co-sponsored by the “Iowa Rural Equity Project “(IREP) which is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Ag Ventures Alliance, Iowa Microloan foundation, and a statewide Steering Committee of rural leaders and stakeholders.