Iowa Center launching ‘Made in Iowa’ event series to recognize small business impact

The Iowa Center for Economic Success is starting a new event series called Made in Iowa to celebrate the impact of small businesses on Iowa’s economy and culture. The first event is on April 23 from 9-10:30 a.m. featuring the story of Des Moines farm-to-table restaurant HoQ and its owner and…

Continue reading

USDA Rural Development invests $45 million in small business, public works projects across Iowa

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development agency is investing $1,213,603 in 13 grants and $43,957,700 in five loans to projects in Iowa that promote rural small businesses, provide technical assistance and support public works infrastructure. Greene County Development Corp. received a $95,703 Rural Business Development Grant to provide technical assistance…

Continue reading

One Voice Des Moines hosting African Business Fair

One Voice Des Moines is hosting its annual African Business Fair on Saturday, Feb. 24, to help small businesses in the African diaspora communities network and connect with larger organizations and government programs. One Voice Des Moines is an African-founded nonprofit focused on social impact, youth development, economic progress and collaborative engagement…

Continue reading

Iowa Center holding information session on tax preparation program

The Iowa Center for Economic Success is holding an event on Jan. 26 to share the details of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), which provides tax preparation services to small businesses and low-income individuals and families. The session will cover background on the program, who is eligible for these services,…

Continue reading

VizyPay, Clear Lake Bank & Trust form strategic partnership

Waukee-based payment processing company VizyPay has announced a strategic partnership with Clear Lake Bank & Trust. Through this relationship, Clear Lake Bank & Trust’s small business customers will be connected directly with VizyPay’s team and technologies that are designed to help “mom-and-pop shops that are often left behind or overcharged by other…

Continue reading

11 small businesses selected for second Scale DSM cohort

The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the participants for the second cohort of the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator program, which will run from June to December. Participants will complete Interise’s Streetwise MBA (minority business accelerator) curriculum, which centers practical, case-based peer learning for minority-led businesses. The 11 small business…

Continue reading

Guest column: America’s Seed Fund spurs small business innovation

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…

Continue reading