The Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Iowa Rural Development Council to continue its support for businesses, startups and entrepreneurs through its Rural Business Initiative program. The Rural Business Initiative, which started as a pilot program in 2024, will provide grants of at least $30,000 to community organizations…
The Iowa Rural Development Council, a statewide nonprofit focused on small-town and rural vitality, awarded the 2025 Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Awards at its recent Iowa Rural Summit. The summit brought together leaders from small towns across Iowa. The awards recognize nominees in rural economic and community development, philanthropy, the arts…
Rural leaders from across Iowa will gather in Ames April 10-11 for the annual Iowa Rural Summit, hosted by the Iowa Rural Development Council. “Rural Rocks! Energizing Communities through Connections” will feature sessions targeting issues facing small towns and rural areas, from outdoor recreation and regional partnerships to the next…
The Iowa Rural Development Council is accepting nominations now through Jan. 15 for the Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Awards. The awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to improving and advancing rural development in Iowa. The three award categories are: The awards will be presented…
The Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) has selected four pilot communities to participate in its new Rural Business Initiative, which was created with a $200,000 grant from Wells Fargo. The rural communities are located within 30 miles of a Wells Fargo branch. Each proposed a plan to support existing small business,…
The Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) has received a $200,000 grant from Wells Fargo to establish a new program to support small-business development in rural Iowa communities. According to a news release, the IRDC Rural Business Initiative will provide grants of at least $30,000 to community organizations that work with…
The Iowa Rural Development Council, a public-private statewide nonprofit supporting small towns, has opened registration for the 2024 Iowa Rural Summit. The event is scheduled for April 11-12 at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center in Ames. Rural communities are invited to bring three-person teams, which has helped generate momentum after…