History
The Belle Center is named after Arabella “Belle” Babb Mansfield, the Mount Pleasant and Iowa Wesleyan University suffragette who in 1869 became the first woman lawyer admitted to the bar in the United States.
Iowa Wesleyan closed in May 2023, creating a major economic and cultural vacuum in the community and region. The Belle Center was founded in November 2023 to create an entity that spurs entrepreneurship and supports nonprofits. The Belle Center is a resource for entrepreneurs and nonprofits who are starting, scaling and/or pivoting.
The Belle Center builds upon the University’s legacy and Belle’s understanding of the benefits of equitable access for anyone pursuing their dreams.
Mission
The Belle Center’s mission is to provide rural southeast Iowans with equitable access to entrepreneurial, professional development, and community resources so that they may pursue meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.
Space
The Belle Center is located in the former Iowa Wesleyan University Chadwick Library, a 45,000 square foot building utilized for co-working, nonprofit support, educational workshops, conferences, business incubation, community events and a future museum.
Our Community
At BelleCenter, our co-work and community members are our top priority. We foster a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other.