Established in 2021, the city of Des Moines’ Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program has awarded $1.5 million in matching funds to support mid- and large-scale renovations of more than two dozen buildings in key neighborhood corridors across Des Moines. The program has extended the life of buildings in neighborhoods like the…
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…
In my recent interview with new University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Executive Director Adam Keune he discussed the importance of mentors to founders who are navigating the challenges of starting their companies, including with talent. Here’s some of what he shared. “I think it’s because somebody could be great in one role…
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the pitch competition at the 2025 Athene Black and Brown Business Summit now through Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. On April 16, seven top applicants and one randomly selected participant will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges. All…
The Iowa Center for Economic Success has named Katie Byers director of the Iowa Center Women’s Business Center. Byers will provide training and individual counseling to Iowa women looking to launch or grow their businesses. She is an attorney as well as an entrepreneur. She is a fiber and mixed media…
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in Iowa is currently accepting applications for its spring 2025 cohort, which starts in February 2025. The program provides practical business education, access to capital and support services, including a dedicated business adviser. Small businesses located anywhere in Iowa are eligible to apply….
Iowa Farm Bureau is holding a two-part branding workshop for Farm Bureau members to enhance their direct-to-consumer business. The first workshop on Nov. 13 and 14 will help participants develop their brand to stand out from others in a crowded market, a news release said. The second workshop on Dec….
Two SBDC Iowa regional directors, Michael Wampler and Jenica Johnson, have received awards from the national Small Business Development Center association America’s SBDC. Wampler, regional director of the SBDC location at Kirkwood Community College, is a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals Award. The award recognizes SBDC…
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a national network of volunteer counselors providing free mentoring and programming to small businesses, is holding a pitch competition in Des Moines on Sept. 12. The event is one of five pitch competitions SCORE is hosting to celebrate the nonprofit’s 60th anniversary. Competing small…
America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa (SBDC) has announced Elizabeth Christensen is the new regional director of the Western Iowa SBDC, located at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. Christensen will serve new entrepreneurs and existing business owners in Pottawattamie, Shelby, Harrison, Page, Mills, Cass and Fremont counties. She…