small biz

A brass band plays with Christmas lights twinkling in the background.

Iowa City Downtown District launches Festive Fridays for holiday season

The Iowa City Downtown District is expanding its holiday programming with the launch of a five-week series of Friday night festivities aimed at boosting local businesses.  Festive Fridays will run 5 to 8 p.m. now until Dec. 19 and feature…

Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging breaks ground on new treehouse accommodations

Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging has broken ground on two treehouse accommodations that the business…

Stephanie and Taylor Getting (center), co-owners of Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging at the groundbreaking of their new treehouse accommodations Oct. 30.

Washington to host First Impressions Community Forum Nov. 17

Washington residents and business leaders will soon have the chance to learn how their community…

Attendees listen to a speaker

ICDD Holiday Kids’ Market returns for fifth season

The Iowa City Downtown District’s Holiday Kids’ Market will return for its fifth season Nov.…

The Iowa City Downtown District’s Holiday Kids' Market will return for its fifth season Nov. 4-26.

Shop Iowa Day returns Oct. 8 to celebrate small businesses statewide

Shop Iowa Day will return Oct. 8, bringing together small businesses and communities across Iowa…

shop iowa logo

West Branch gift shop opens second location in Coralville

White Pumpkin Studio, a gift shop located at 102 E. Main St. in West Branch,…

Gift shop White Pumpkin's new storefront in Coralville at the Iowa River Landing, 920 E. Second Ave. Suite 150.

Iowa City, Coralville startups secure state funding for medical device, agriculture innovation

Three Iowa City and Coralville startups received state funding through the Iowa Economic Development Authority…

Iowa Economic Development Authority

UI student, entrepreneur Dasia Taylor showcases NERD STEM Box on Good Morning America

A University of Iowa student and entrepreneur appeared Wednesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” showcasing…

Good Morning America host Michael Strahan and Dasia Taylor.

SBA accepting nominations for 2026 Small Business Week Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week…

The Potters’ Obsession marks 25 years with summer celebration

The Potters’ Obsession, a paint-it-yourself pottery studio, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a four-day…

A wall-length shelving unit teems with pottery waiting to be painted at The Potter's Obsession, 1941 51st St. NE Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Witch Goods wins year of free rent at NewBo City Market

NewBo City Market has announced Cedar Witch Goods as the recipient of the 2024 Emerging…

Owned by Katie Adams, Cedar Witch Goods stood out among six entrepreneurs competing for the opportunity to become the next shopkeeper at NewBo City Market.