Small Business

Aerial view of Iowa City

Business retention, expansion survey helps Greater IC foster growth for Johnson County businesses

Regional economic development groups play an important role in promoting and providing resources for the business communities they represent. In addition to creating opportunities for local businesses to network and leverage opportunities, these organizations can serve as advocates on a…

Johnson County employees to participate in nationwide “Great Apple Crunch” event

Johnson County employees will join a nationwide celebration of local food sourcing on Wednesday, Oct.…

A Honeycrisp apple from Buffalo Ridge Orchards in Central City rests in someone's hand.

Fresh Connect program offers free business coaching for Eastern Iowa farmers

Beginning farmers seeking to enhance their business and marketing strategies can now apply for Fresh…

A farmer in gloves grasps a plant in a field.

The District launches ‘Cone Zone Cash’ program to support Cedar Rapids businesses impacted by construction

In an attempt to support small businesses in the New Bohemia neighborhood impacted by several…

The Ideal Cone Zone Cash

Empowerment Symposium speakers discuss overcoming barriers, navigating setbacks

On Sept. 19 and 20, a diverse group of professionals from Eastern Iowa converged at…

black and brown professionals from Eastern Iowa converged at the Graduate by Hilton Iowa City for the first annual Empowerment Symposium: Inspiring Black & Brown Professionals to Lead.

The Webster team to open ramen shop in downtown Iowa City

A new ramen shop and cocktail lounge is opening in downtown Iowa City this October.…

Riene Gelman (left), Sam Gelman (middle), Edwin Lee (right), are the team behind Paper Crane Ramen Shop & Cocktail Lounge. CREDIT IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

Chrome Horse is closing in September

Chrome Horse Saloon, a long-time establishment in Cedar Rapids’ NewBo area, has announced its upcoming…

Chrome Horse, Cedar Rapids.

Lubben Vineyards & Wines celebrates opening of new winery

The town of Anamosa is Grant Wood country, and the rolling hills made famous by…

Dan and Judy Lubben, along with ambassadors from the Marion Chamber of Commerce, celebrate the opening of the new location of Lubben Vineyards & Wines on Sept. 12 in Anamosa.

Lubben Vineyards opening new location in Anamosa

Dan and Judy Lubben will celebrate the opening of Lubben Vineyards in Anamosa with a…

Lubben Vineyards

Dubuque Street businesses anticipate recovery as construction ends and students return

As the South Dubuque Street reconstruction project in Iowa City nears completion, business owners along…

The section of South Dubuque Street, between Iowa Avenue and Washington Street, is open once more to foot and vehicle traffic.

Dutch Market draws crowds at Washington grand opening

Washington’s newest Dutch Market saw a significant turnout on Aug. 17 as the community gathered…

Crowds gather for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dutch Market in Washington.

Ernst names Tootsie’s Ice Cream of Benton County as Iowa Small Business of the Week

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst has chosen Tootsie’s Ice Cream & More of Benton County as…

Tootsie's Ice Cream & More

Acapulco Mexican Bakery finds success, seeks to open third location

Alejandro Garcia Gonzalez owns and runs Iowa City’s Acapulco Mexican Bakery, which is just one…

Repaint Studios takes first place and $40k in entrepreneurial competition

Repaint Studios LLC, a startup that participated in the University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial…

Candi Karsjens, director for the North Iowa Area Community College JPEC, presents Repaint Studios owner Billie Kay Ingalls Asmus with a check.

Tasha Lard empowers Black entrepreneurs through community and mentorship

Tasha Lard dipped her toes into entrepreneurship during the pandemic, a time when most businesses…

Tasha Lard stands outside the South District Market in Iowa City Aug. 21.

Northtowne Cycling + Fitness searches for new owner ahead of 100th year

Northtowne Cycling + Fitness in Cedar Rapids is beginning the search for new ownership as…