Big Grove Brewery has launched a new micro-grant program to offer direct funding to local projects aiming to enhance or revitalize neighborhoods. The grants will be funded by sales of Big Grove’s new lager, Neighborhood Beer, with $1 for every case sold going back to the grant program. Big Grove…
Lisa Shimkat, state director of America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa, has been appointed the associate administrator of field operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration and the acting associate administrator for the Office of International Trade. Shimkat has led SBDC Iowa, which has 15 regional centers across the state,…
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is awarding Rural Innovation Grants, totaling more than $275,000, to 20 Iowa small businesses. The grant program, part of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Empower Rural Iowa initiative, supports nontraditional ideas that address critical issues faced by communities that have both fewer than 20,000 people and are…
The Iowa Rural Development Council is accepting nominations now through Jan. 15 for the Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Awards. The awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to improving and advancing rural development in Iowa. The three award categories are: The awards will be presented…
Small business incubator receives CAT grant to renovate, expand The Iowa Economic Development Authority board approved Friday innovation funding for five Iowa startups and a Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant, according to a news release. Ames-based robotics company Invasive Removal is developing tools to combat invasive species in forests…
The city of Iowa City has launched a new grant program opportunity for Iowa City-based small business owners and entrepreneurs who fall under the Targeted Small Business definition. The Targeted Small Business Development Grant Program will provide up to $5,000 in grant funding as well as business coaching and technical assistance services…
The Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) has selected four pilot communities to participate in its new Rural Business Initiative, which was created with a $200,000 grant from Wells Fargo. The rural communities are located within 30 miles of a Wells Fargo branch. Each proposed a plan to support existing small business,…
The annual dsmHack‘s Des Moines Charity Hackathon was held Sept. 20 and 21 bringing together technology professionals from across Iowa to help local nonprofits overcome critical challenges, a news release said. The event aims to foster innovation, community engagement and positive social impact through technology. The four nonprofits teams helped this…
Community Broadband Action Network is hosting its 2024 Fall Forum on Oct. 10 in West Des Moines. Christopher Ali, author of “Farm Fresh Broadband,” will share stories and insights for the future of a digitally connected rural America and USDA Rural Development Field Director Theresa Greenfield will speak on the USDA’s role…
Ryan Mulhall will serve as executive director of the Iowa Communications Network, an independent state agency that administers the state’s fiber optic telecommunications network. Mulhall begins his new role on Friday. Mulhall, who was appointed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, has worked at ICN since 2016, including serving as its chief…