The 2025 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. The 20th annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures. The $100,000 in seed funding includes a $50,000 contribution from the late John Pappajohn, matched by $50,000 from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The goal […]
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced seven finalists for the 2025 pitch competition at the fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit. Seven finalists were chosen from over 400 applicants from across the world. These finalists will each present a five-minute pitch to the judges. An additional competitor will be randomly […]
Ag-tech fund raising new $10 million fund to provide scaling capital Ag Startup Engine, a fund for ag-tech startups, made six investments in new companies in 2024, bringing the fund’s total portfolio companies to 40, according to its latest annual report. The report also shows Ag Startup Engine made three investments in existing portfolio companies, and […]
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced Rachelle Long, founder and executive director of Taste of the Junction, as the recipient of the 2025 Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award recognizes community members who have made an impact by fostering and supporting small business success and inspiring others. Long will […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host a Raising Capital for Startups Seminar on May 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Partnership’s office in downtown Des Moines. The seminar will include topics such as the process of raising capital, the financial model, capitalization tables, pitching investors and term sheets. The Partnership will […]
The Iowa Economic Development Authority board on March 21 approved loans for four Iowa startups, including one loan funded through the State Small Business Credit Initiative. The companies are located in Ames, Coralville, Fairfield and Clive. Ames-based Janas Materials Inc. develops sustainable technology for the coating industry that improves the appearance and application of wood stains. Its […]
Women-accredited investors are invited to join FIN Capital Investor Association to learn about angel investing and how to become an aspiring changemaker in the startup community. The event is at 8:30 a.m. on April 10 at the State Historical Building. To reserve a spot, go to eventbrite.
Polk County, in association with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, is launching a new initiative where it will connect small business owners to free financial counseling. The Small Business Boost Initiative was created after the CFE Fund, along with funding from the Principal Foundation, awarded Polk County a $90,000 grant. The grant supports new […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the 2025 schedule for its Top Five for Small Business Series. The event series will feature presentations aiming to help small businesses in human resources, marketing, accounting, sales and other topics. Each event will take place on Zoom from 9 to 10 a.m. Here is the full schedule:
The Iowa Center for Economic Success will host a panel discussion at 8 a.m. March 25 with three small business owners from the Ingersoll and Grand corridor in Des Moines. The event is part of the Iowa Center’s Made in Iowa event series exploring the role of small businesses in connecting communities and building culture. […]