Small Business

NewBoCo’s Iowa Startup Accelerator to relaunch this fall
After a two-year hiatus, the Iowa Startup Accelerator is returning this fall with a renewed focus on helping Iowa-based startups strengthen their branding, marketing, and sales strategies. The seven-week program, operated by the New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo), begins in…
Dutch Market draws crowds at Washington grand opening
Washington’s newest Dutch Market saw a significant turnout on Aug. 17 as the community gathered…

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…

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…

Tasha Lard empowers Black entrepreneurs through community and mentorship
Tasha Lard dipped her toes into entrepreneurship during the pandemic, a time when most businesses…

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…

SBA opens nominations for 2025 National Small Business Week awards
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened nominations for the 2025 National Small Business Week…

Corda Credit Union donates $50K to NewBo City Market renovations
Corda Credit Union has donated $50,000 to NewBo City Market’s Next Level Local capital campaign,…

Iowa City Council debates new ordinances to limit tobacco retailers
The Iowa City council continues to debate methods of discouraging tobacco and vape shops from…

Historic Lighthouse Inn destroyed in fire
The Lighthouse Inn and Supper Club, Cedar Rapids’ oldest restaurant that has hosted several historical…

Raygun breakdancing at Olympics brings windfall for Iowa’s Raygun
A viral breakdancing performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris has proven to be…

Iowa’s youth labor law leaves small businesses and teen workers in hot water
An Iowa bill meant to expand employment opportunities has backfired on the businesses it aimed…

LocoCR set to provide locally-based food delivery option
Steve Shriver admits the idea for LocoCR, a new local food delivery service set to…

Coffee Emporium sold to North Liberty couple, rebranding and expansion ahead
A popular Johnson County coffee chain has switched hands. Coffee Emporium, which has locations in…

Durham talks triumph, challenges of downtown revitalization
Size doesn’t matter – at least to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The way…
