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 […]
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. […]
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,” […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
Tech takeaway: This week’s story is the last of two profiles on the Iowa-based startups participating in the 2022 cohort of Techstars Iowa. MetaFuel is a Des Moines-based startup started in January 2022 that aims to help trucking companies leverage telematics data, which is automatically collected by a device installed in the truck. Neither Danny […]
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 Economic Development Authority announced Wednesday a $96 million investment to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Iowa. The U.S. Treasury Department approved the funding to Iowa Tuesday through its State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The American Rescue Plan Act reauthorized and expanded the SSBCI, providing nearly $10 billion to increase access to capital and promote entrepreneurship, […]
Tech takeaway: This week’s story is the first of two profiles on the Iowa-based startups participating in the 2022 cohort of Techstars Iowa. Emigrait is a Cedar Falls-based startup creating machine learning models that can identify likely homebuyers and sellers. Ehrich Pakala and Stephen Bowser likely couldn’t have predicted their chance encounter during a math class at […]