Small Business

Iowa Startup Accelerator NewBoCo

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…

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…

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…

In August, the SBA backed 30 loans for a total of $17,582,300 and 112 new jobs. CREDIT US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

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,…

Corda Credit Union representatives present NewBo City Market Executive Director Julie Parisi with a check representing a $50,000 donation to the organization'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…

Open sign

Historic Lighthouse Inn destroyed in fire

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

Lighthouse Inn fire

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…

Raygun Mike Draper

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…

Savannah Dixon, 17, reaches for some fried chicken with a pair of tongs. Ms. Dixon has worked at Sugapeach Chicken & Fish Fry for two years. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

LocoCR set to provide locally-based food delivery option

Steve Shriver admits the idea for LocoCR, a new local food delivery service set to…

Steve Shriver stands outside of Brewhemia, located at 1202 Third St. in southeast Cedar Rapids. LocoCR

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…

Coffee Emporium, located at 925 E. 2nd Ave. in Coralville, has recently changed hands.

Durham talks triumph, challenges of downtown revitalization

Size doesn’t matter – at least to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The way…

Debi Durham, director of the IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority, speaks at the Paramount Theater Aug. 6 for the IEDA 2024 Iowa Downtown Conference.