The Idea Accelerator, a national accelerator led by Heartland Forward, is running a summer cohort of the program with 10 new Iowa City entrepreneurs following the conclusion of the first cohort in May. Builders and Backers and the Iowa City Area Development Group are continuing to partner with Heartland Forward to deliver the program. Heartland Forward is holding cohorts in nine other cities across the country, including ones in Minnesota,
Idea Accelerator
Ten entrepreneurs to participate in Iowa City’s Idea Accelerator
A first cohort of 10 Iowa City entrepreneurs was announced Tuesday for the Idea Accelerator, which launched in December. Each entrepreneur has a business idea that they will develop during the 90-day virtual accelerator. Ideas vary widely, from seeking child care solutions to developing a new model for healthy living, according to a release. Iowa City Area Development Group and entrepreneur investment firm Builders and Backers are partnering on the national program
New virtual accelerator coming to Iowa City
In a partnership between Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD), Heartland Forward, and Builders and Backers, the Idea Accelerator will launch its inaugural program in January 2022. The new 90-day virtual accelerator is focused on finding creative solutions to community problems in Iowa City. Every applicant that is accepted will receive $5,000 to test out their business idea. Heartland Forward piloted the program in Oklahoma and Mississippi cities this summer