Tractor Supply, 4-H partner to provide youth hands-on learning opportunities

Rounding out its ninth year, Tractor Supply Company, in partnership with National 4-H Council, is gearing up for its Paper Clover event, a semiannual fundraising campaign that provides millions of dollars in scholarships for 4-H youth.

From Wednesday to Oct. 14, Iowa Tractor Supply customers can participate in the Paper Clover fundraiser by purchasing a paper clover - the signature emblem of 4-H - for a donation during checkout at stores nationwide or by making a purchase online at TractorSupply.com.

Since its start in 2010, the partnership between Tractor Supply and 4-H has generated more than $14 million in essential funding. This past spring's initiative raised more than $956,000 alone, impacting more than 14,000 students.

Fundraising efforts from Tractor Supply's Paper Clover event fund scholarships for numerous state level 4-H programs nationwide, and every Iowa donation benefits Iowa youth. Scholarships are used for camps and leaderships conferences, where attendees learn everything from animal care and woodworking to networking practices and civic responsibility.

Iowa 4-H clubs are encouraged to contact a Tractor Supply store to participate during the in-store fundraiser. Those who participate with their local store are eligible to win a $100 Tractor Supply gift card through the Paper Clover Participation Sweepstakes. For more information on Paper Clover or how to enter the sweepstakes, visit TractorSupply.com/4h.

Biz Training workshop to focus on QuickBooks

A three-part Biz Training workshop on the use of QuickBooks is scheduled to begin Thursday at the Fairfield Public Library.

The sessions will be 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11 and Oct. 18.

QuickBooks is a universally used software program in businesses and offices across the country. Presenter Naveed Abassi will help participants sharpen their QuickBook skills and be more knowledgeable and prepared for work.

The workshop is part of Maharishi University of Management's yearlong series of workshops and seminars funded by the USDA and sponsored by the Fairfield Public Library. Contact David Goodman at 641-451-1973 for information.

MUM hosting visitors weekend

Maharishi University of Management will be hosting visitors weekend Thursday through Saturday for people to learn about the university and tour the campus.

M.U.M., formerly Maharishi International University, was founded in 1973 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It features consciousness-based education and the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique. The university is a 370-acre campus with 45 buildings, including a net-positive Sustainable Living Center. M.U.M. currently has over 1,700 students from 86 countries. It is a Higher Learning Commission accredited university with undergraduate and graduate degree programs on-campus and online.

For information about the visitors weekend, visit www.mum.edu/admissions/visitors-weekends/.

Business owners, entrepreneurs encouraged to apply to ‘10,000 Small Businesses Program'

DES MOINES - Iowa small business owners and entrepreneurs can grow their businesses with the help of the Goldman Sachs '10,000 Small Businesses Program.”

Beginning in January, the program will be hosted in the state of Iowa and is free to Iowa businesses. The program includes curriculum developed by Babson College, recently named No. 1 for Entrepreneurship by U.S. News & World Report for the 22nd year in a row.

Accepted applicants receive hands-on education for business growth, access to highly-trained, small business professionals and an expanded peer network of small business owners from across the country.

Eligible businesses have been in business for at least two years, have at least $100,000 in revenues and employ at least two employees, including the business owner.

Qualified prospects can apply and gather additional information at www.10KSBapply.com/Iowa. Applications are due by Oct. 15.

'Small business owners drive our state's economy, and their companies are the heart and soul of our communities,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said. 'I encourage all Iowa small businesses to apply to this exciting program. As Iowa small businesses grow and thrive, the entire state benefits.”

Participants also can learn more through online information sessions offered Wednesday and Oct. 9. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/10kSBIowa.