Get to know 3 organizations supporting entrepreneurs in eastern Iowa “Iowa has pockets of innovation across the state” is a common phrase among leaders and other stakeholders in Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. But what do those pockets look like? Across the eastern Iowa region, it includes a legacy company providing space…
Iowa Center for Economic Success shares the big impact of small loans Microloans meet entrepreneurs where they are. Defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a loan of $50,000 or less, a microloan is one of few avenues open to new small businesses in Iowa, particularly in low-income areas,…
IEDA awards $350K in loans to 5 Iowa startups The Iowa Economic Development Authority awards funding to startups in the form of low-interest loans through its Innovation Continuum, which includes five funds that are designed to offer companies non-dilutive funding at every stage of business growth. The funds are: Proof of Commercial…
Editor’s note: This is the third of three features profiling winners of the 2024 Prometheus Awards and going behind the scenes of how the winners are selected. Read Part 1 and Part 2. At the 2024 Prometheus Awards, the Technology Association of Iowa debuted seven new award categories, a move the industry association said…
Growth planned for Ames in 2025, Norem says Ramco Innovations will now be known as Ramco Powered by Sukup, as the company takes a step to align its branding with Sukup Manufacturing Co. Ramco CEO Hank Norem told the Business Record the West Des Moines-based automation distributor is adding the tagline to…
In my recent interview with new University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Executive Director Adam Keune he discussed the importance of mentors to founders who are navigating the challenges of starting their companies, including with talent. Here’s some of what he shared. “I think it’s because somebody could be great in one role…
Casey’s launches real-time data analytics for store owners Editor’s note: This is the second of three features profiling winners of the 2024 Prometheus Awards and going behind the scenes of how the winners are selected. At the 2024 Prometheus Awards, the Technology Association of Iowa debuted seven new award categories, a…
Roboflow CEO shares how computer vision advancement powers other AI innovation Editor’s note: This is the first of three features profiling winners of the 2024 Prometheus Awards and going behind the scenes of how the winners are selected. At the 2024 Prometheus Awards, the Technology Association of Iowa debuted seven new award…
Keehner promoted to principal, will manage new fund Next Level Ventures (NLV) is raising capital for a new fund that will be dedicated to investing in Iowa startups, the Des Moines-based venture capital firm told the Business Record. Next Level Ventures Fund 3 will be NLV’s fifth venture fund and…
IEDA approved more than $6.4 million in loans to startups in 2024 The Iowa Economic Development Authority awards funding to startups in the form of low-interest loans through its Innovation Continuum, which includes five funds that are designed to offer companies non-dilutive funding at every stage of business growth. The funds…