Eric Engelmann plans to step down from his role as NewBoCo’s executive director on Dec. 1 to focus exclusively on ISA Ventures, a multi-million-dollar fund he founded to provide capital for both early-stage startups and fast-growing companies in Eastern Iowa, reports the Corridor Business Journal. Engelmann’s role at NewBoCo will be filled by Aaron Horn, […]

The Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) is accepting applications through Nov. 6 from startups interested in competing at the annual Iowa Biotech Showcase & Conference, formerly known as Partnering for Growth. The winner of the Biotech Showcase will receive $10,000 and a one-year membership to IowaBio. Eight companies in industries including food/agriculture, human and animal health, […]

Applications are open to broker-focused startups for the Des Moines-based BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator’s 2021 program, the accelerator announced Oct. 29. The accelerator offers more than $500,000 in seed funding, up to $50,000 each to accepted startups. Submission deadlines for BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator is Nov. 30; selected startups will be notified in early February 2020. The […]

One month after releasing its findings on the digital safety net for small businesses, the Connected Commerce Council (3C) hosted Iowa businesses, community supporters and State Auditor Rob Sand in a webinar exploring how small businesses and individuals used technology tools to stay operating during the initial COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.  Moderated by 3C President Jake […]

AFWERX, the U.S. Air Force’s innovation catalyst, is extending the deadline for the Department of Defense Reimagining Energy Challenge, a program challenge to modernize and create resilient energy production, transmission, utilization and storage for the U.S. Air Force. The submission deadline to the Reimagining Energy Challenge is Oct. 29; participants who submit by Oct. 21 will be […]

Des Moines nonprofit founder Nancy Mwirotsi received a $10,000 Nation of Neighbors grant from Royal Neighbors of America for a new initiative dedicated to building entrepreneurship skills among young women, the Royal Neighbors of America announced. Mwirotsi, founder of tech education Pi515, is developing the Girls Entrepreneurial Summit Program, which focuses on educating young women […]

Four award-winning businesses and three honorable mentions were awarded between $4,000 and $40,000 in the 15th Annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition, held digitally in September, the Iowa State University and University of Iowa JPEC centers announced last week. 3D Health Solutions of Ames received $40,000 and first place, FBB Biomed of Iowa City […]

The Iowa Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization is hosting a Global Student Entrepreneur Award (GSEA) competition this Friday at Iowa State University’s Student Innovation Center, featuring six Iowa college students and entrepreneurs as finalists for Iowa’s first GSEA award. The GSEA awards program is designed for students who own and operate businesses while pursuing higher […]

The Greater Des Moines Partnership, BrownWinick Law and LWBJ launched the Raising Capital Seminar Series, a new series of interactive education modules for small businesses looking to raise equity capital. Raising Capital Seminar is a five-part series launched in place of the in-person events normally held annually at the BrownWinick Law Firm and Partnership offices. […]