The Biden administration announced this week $42.45 billion in funding from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program going to all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia, including over $415 million to Iowa. The funding will support grant programs that deploy or upgrade broadband networks ensuring everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed […]
The InnoVenture Iowa Fund has made investments in eight early-stage Iowa startup companies in the advanced manufacturing, bioscience and information technology industries. The companies are Stratafolio, Shaka, PV Pallet, FarrPro, Farmpost, Clayton Farms, the Hummingbirds and Distynct. More information about the companies is available on the InnoVenture Iowa website. Investment Director Kaylee Williams shares more updates […]
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved grants Friday to two initiatives supporting rural entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurial Investment Award program. The program provides financial assistance to service providers that offer technical and financial assistance to entrepreneurs and startup companies. Hub712, coordinated by Carroll County Growth Partnership, was awarded a $200,000 grant from the EIA […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed two bills into law that were priorities of the Technology Association of Iowa this legislative session. House File 553 aims to encourage companies to enhance their cybersecurity measures for safeguarding both their operations and customers against cyberattacks. The law offers an affirmative defense in tort litigation related to data breaches, provided that […]
Submitted by Jayne Armstrong, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Iowa District Office America’s strong economy depends on small business innovation. America’s Seed Fund, coordinated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, sparks innovation from the idea stage into commercially viable technologies and products. Established in 1982, America’s Seed Fund invests federal research funds in […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently opened a window for qualifying entities to seek grants for technical assistance for broadband projects. A total of $20 million has been allocated to these grants, which will deliver broadband technical assistance and training and support the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives, according to the department. Eligible applicants include […]
BrokerTech Ventures announced Tuesday it has partnered with Des Moines-based venture capital investor ManchesterStory to launch the BrokerTech Fund LP. According to a news release, it is the first venture capital fund focused on early-stage insurtech companies developing technology solutions for brokers. Limited partners of the $34 million fund include Holmes Murphy, M3 Insurance, Baldwin Risk Partners, […]
Iowa-based private equity firm Midwest Growth Partners announced Monday the completion of fundraising for its third investment fund. The firm exceeded its initial fundraising goal with $170 million raised. Midwest Growth Partners has served lower middle market companies seeking succession planning liquidity or growth investment since 2013. The firm focuses on companies in food and […]
The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced Monday innovation funding for three startups through Iowa’s State Small Business Credit Initiative. The Innovation Fund was created as part of the initiative to offer additional funding opportunities to assist entrepreneurs through concept, launch and expansion. Nebullam Inc., based in Ames, received a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Launch Fund loan […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed into law Senate File 262, which provides consumers the right to know what of their personal data companies have processed. “In our digital age, it’s never been more important to state, clearly and unmistakably, that consumers deserve a reasonable level of transparency and control over their personal data,” Reynolds said in a […]