Repaint Studios, a Mason City-based startup focused on reducing the environmental impact of home improvement with reusable, recyclable and eco-friendly painting supplies, won first place and $40,000 at the 19th annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. The final round of the competition was held on Aug. 22 in Ames, where 10 teams presented pitches […]
Two SBDC Iowa regional directors, Michael Wampler and Jenica Johnson, have received awards from the national Small Business Development Center association America’s SBDC. Wampler, regional director of the SBDC location at Kirkwood Community College, is a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals Award. The award recognizes SBDC staff who demonstrate innovation, leadership […]
Greater Iowa City Inc. has opened a new grant opportunity designed to fund rural community branding and deliverables. This initiative aims to enhance the visual identity and cohesion of local communities through strategic branding projects. Any rural towns or districts in Johnson County are eligible to receive up to $5,000. The grant opportunity has two […]
America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa has announced that Korey Smith is the new regional director for the Western Iowa Tech SBDC, located at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City. The Western Iowa Tech SBDC serves entrepreneurs and existing business owners in Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Monona, Plymouth and Woodbury counties. Smith has a background in […]
The Iowa State University Startup Factory has announced the 12 startups that will participate in its 16th cohort. The Startup Factory aims to help researchers and inventors develop road maps to realize the societal and economic impact of their high-tech innovations. One venture in this year’s cohort is Ecoessence Solutions, a team from Iowa State’s […]
The Ford Foundation has approved a grant of $315,000 to the University of Northern Iowa Foundation to support the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) program, which is housed in the Wilson College of Business’s economic outreach arm. IA-CEO will use the funding to promote the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) model to business owners through in-person presentations, speaking […]
Ankeny Community School District has announced plans for a new “innovative hub” facility that is set to open in the 2028-29 school year. The vision for the Innovative Hub is an integrated space that offers specialized programs and facilities that cater to diverse learning experiences and serves as a catalyst for connecting people, ideas and […]
Plus, Greater Iowa City CEO shares update on ICAD, ICABP merger Greater Iowa City Inc. recently completed renovations on Merge, a coworking space in downtown Iowa City, and has updated its mission to help meet the needs of Johnson County’s businesses after COVID. Since opening in 2017, Merge has centered on serving early-stage entrepreneurs and connecting […]
Participants can now register for the 2025 Global Insurance Symposium, and organizers have unveiled the theme for the 11th annual event: Insuring a World of Opportunity. The symposium will be held April 15-16, 2025, at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, according to a news release from event organizers. Launched in 2014, the […]
The North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center will host the 2024 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala on Oct. 3, the center announced. The gala will celebrate North Iowa entrepreneurs and present Stellar Industries Inc. with the Legacy Award for its contributions to the region. Nominations are open for the following five awards that will […]
