The BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator has opened applications for its 2023 program. According to the news release, the concept of the BTV Accelerator is to be an “innovation hub” and proof of concept environment for broker-centric products and technology solutions, ultimately bringing validated solutions to the industry. More than $500,000 in funding is at stake for the early-stage […]

To celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week taking place from Nov. 14-20, the Greater Des Moines Partnership will host several entrepreneurship-focused events. “Small business owners and entrepreneurs drive innovation and build companies that create vibrancy in our community. Entrepreneurship happens here every day as entrepreneurs continuously bet on themselves and take the risk to start and grow their businesses,” […]

AAVIN Equity Advisors, a Cedar Rapids-based private equity firm, has closed the AAVIN Capital III, L.P. with total capital commitments of $63 million and a license to operate as a small business investment company (SBIC). AAVIN III will invest in U.S.-based lower middle-market companies with less than $50 million of revenues, according to a news release. […]

On their partnership for Cybersecurity Action Month October has been Cybersecurity Awareness Month since 2004, but two Iowa tech organizations took the opportunity to make the month about taking action as well. For the last four weeks, Ankeny-based cybersecurity firm Pratum and the Technology Association of Iowa have partnered on Cybersecurity Action Month, an initiative to […]

Applications for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in spring 2023 are due Nov. 1. The free 12-week program is run in partnership with Iowa’s 15 community colleges. The curriculum is delivered in person and online and helps business owners develop a customized business plan for growth and learn about marketing, employee management and more.

Registration is open for the 15th annual National Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit, scheduled for Nov. 19 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The deadline to apply for the Business Pitch Competition is Friday. Sessions will cover planning for the future, marketing and capital resources. The National IES Awards Ceremony will also be held during the […]

The current hiring landscape is on nearly every business leader’s mind. The Ag Startup Engine’s fifth annual Ag Innovators Unconference sought to inform and support agricultural startups in their hiring journeys and working to attract tech talent to Iowa. Ag Startup Engine co-director Joel Harris moderated a panel discussion titled “Crap. I just raised a bunch […]

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced more than $5.4 million in funding through the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program to 44 awardees, including Iowa State University. FAST provides small businesses and startups, particularly those in underserved communities, with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance for research and development. Grant awardees qualify for award […]

The Iowa Biotechnology Association’s 2023 Iowa Biotech Showcase and Conference has been scheduled for March 7-8, 2023. Presentation proposals and applications for the showcase are now open and are due by Nov. 11. The showcase is a pitch competition for emerging biotech companies judged by a select group of IowaBio members and industry professionals. Multiple companies will be […]