EntreFEST Day 2: How to pitch a startup from the edge of a rock wall

Steve Shriver, co-owner at SOKO Outfitters of Cedar Rapids (right), climbs during a startup pitch session with founders during the 2019 EntreFEST. Photo contributed/Andrew Ravera, NewBoCo One of the most original pitching opportunities open to participants at EntreFEST 2019 was born over pre-event beers.  Steve Shriver, co-owner at SOKO Outfitters…

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The need for charging stations is clear, but who should own them is not

In Illinois, there’s widespread agreement that drivers need access to more charging stations if the state is going to electrify its transportation system. The question of who owns them — and who profits from them — is an open debate, reports Energy News Network. Utilities, private developers, and business owners…

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One year later: Stories you shared with innovationIOWA

In 2013, the Business Record launched innovationIOWA Magazine, an annual publication with a mission to spotlight innovative companies and technological achievements across the state. One year ago this week, our newsroom launched the innovationIOWA e-newsletter, updating our delivery from annually to weekly – right to your inbox. The mission remains…

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ICR Iowa announces new ‘learning hub’ website for area careers

ICR Iowa has launched ICRfuture.org, advertised as a new learning hub offering information on careers, salaries, internships and more catering toward Iowa City-Cedar Rapids (ICR), reports the Corridor Business Journal. The website is a project of the ICR Future Coalition, a group of 70-plus educators, employers and nonprofit professionals focused…

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Des Moines-based Denim, London-based SBC Colab partner on international expansion

Des Moines-based insuretech startup Denim is branching out internationally through a new partnership with London-based Startupbootcamp Colab InsurTech (SBC Colab), Denim announced Tuesday. Denim’s micro-targeted marketing platform will be available to SBC Colab’s market starting in January 2019, CEO Gregory Bailey said.

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DMACC opens enrollment for Facebook and digital marketing certificate

Des Moines Area Community College has opened enrollment for its new Facebook and Digital Marketing Certificate. The certificate program is part of Facebook’s initiative to train 1 million people across the U.S. by 2020; the company has partnered with DMACC to arm individuals and small businesses with social media and…

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Google reports $899 million in economic activity for Iowa businesses using search, ad tools

Google reported 8,200 Iowa organizations generated $899 million in economic activity using Google search and advertising tools in 2017. Iowa nonprofits received $1.13 million in free advertising through the Google Ad Grants program, the company said in a statement. Google’s Grow with Google initiative aims to give individuals free tools to build…

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