COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – The University of Iowa plans to open an engagement center in Council Bluffs at Iowa Western Community College. The Daily Nonpareil reports that the center would focus on information technology.  The university also plans to take its Venture School to Council Bluffs. The six-week program shows entrepreneurs how to launch successful businesses. The focus is on how to test-market a product to help new businesses beat the high rate of failure among startups.

UI President Sally Mason says the university wants to reach out to the western part of Iowa and attract more students. The university has engagement centers in Iowa City and Sioux City that provide expertise, training and support for small businesses.