IEDA approved more than $6.4 million in loans to startups in 2024 The Iowa Economic Development Authority awards funding to startups in the form of low-interest loans through its Innovation Continuum, which includes five funds that are designed to offer companies non-dilutive funding at every stage of business growth. The funds…
Trade group plans to advocate for pharmaceutical, renewable fuel sectors The Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) has announced its 2025 legislative priorities. IowaBio is a nonprofit trade association with more than 100 members statewide that aims to unify Iowa’s bioscience industry, academic research institutions and economic development organizations. IowaBio’s priorities for the…
The Technology Association of Iowa announced Monday its public policy principles and state and federal policy priorities ahead of the 2025 Iowa legislative session, which begins Jan. 13. According to a news release, the state-level legislative priorities for TAI in 2025 are: TAI’s federal policy priorities will be concentrated again…
America’s Small Business Development Centers has received $10 million from Google.org that will establish America’s SBDC AI U program, which will provide small businesses with free AI services and training. The program will bring SBDC advisers and university students together to provide local businesses with free AI services and training. America’s…
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…
Investor interest in the startup’s recent growth spurred its third funding round, says co-founder Charise Flynn Des Moines-based startup Hummingbirds announced Wednesday it has raised $5.4 million in new venture capital funding for a total of $10 million raised since its first fundraising round last year. Hummingbirds’ platform aims to…
Plus, meet the fund’s first Iowa portfolio company Wisconsin-based venture capital firm Idea Fund of La Crosse recently made its first investment in an Iowa startup since announcing a new fund in May that would reach more Midwest states. The $31.5 million fund is targeting startups in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin that…
The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education has received a $100,000 grant from Google to support STEM programming across Iowa. The grant, which will support Iowa’s STEM programs, was presented during the annual STEM Day at this year’s Iowa State Fair. “Google’s investment in Iowa’s STEM programs…
5 startups receive more than $1.5 million in loans from SSBCI program The Iowa Economic Development Authority awards funding to startups in the form of low-interest loans through its Innovation Continuum, which includes five funds that are designed to offer companies non-dilutive funding at every stage of business growth. The funds…
The third annual Iowa Angel Investor Summit for active and aspiring angel investors is on Nov. 19 at the Landus Des Moines location. In addition to sessions on covering topics around investing in new startups in exchange for ownership equity, the summit will hold the Best of the Midwest pitch…