small business

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…

Holiday pop-ups bring seasonal cheer to the Corridor

Midwesterners are well-acquainted with the seasonal gloom that settles when the last autumn leaves fall…

LP Street Food’s holiday pop-up events are wildly popular and reservations to dine among the lights and tinsel are encouraged. “How LPSF Stole Christmas” is the 2025 theme.

Two startups split top honors at Iowa JPEC’s first AI pitch competition

Two startups tied for first place at the inaugural Iowa JPEC AI Pitch Competition, each…

NeuroPred, Inc. co-founder Michal Brzus gives his pitch at the Iowa JPEC AI Pitch Competition Nov. 5.

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.

Small business owners optimistic about growth despite rising costs, government shutdown concerns

More than 2,000 small business owners from across the country, including 48 from Iowa, are…

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit

NFIB survey: Small business optimism drops in September, remains above historical average

Small business optimism declined in September for the first time in three months, according to…

NFIB logo

Fenōkee furniture merges art and craft

The small forge takes up only a fraction of the space in the converted workshop,…

Drew Hart and Annie McElree of Fenokee furniture pose in their workshop in Cedar Rapids Sept. 26, 2025. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

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.

Mother-daughter team dresses dreams at Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom

Jocelyn Hoyle and Deb Steenblock are the mother-daughter duo behind Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom,…

Deb Steenblock (left) and daughter Jocelyn Hoyle of Jocelyn Taylor Bridal

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

Downtown Iowa City clothing boutique, Textiles, reopening this month under new ownership

A downtown Iowa City women’s clothing boutique is reopening under new ownership this month after…

Textiles' store sign at 105 S. Dubuque St. in the Ped Mall.

NewBo City Market named finalist for Levitt Foundation grant

NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids is among 100 finalists nationwide competing for a $120,000…

NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids is among 100 finalists nationwide competing for a $120,000 grant from the Levitt Foundation to support its free outdoor concert series.

Dark fantasy bookstore to open in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village

A new independent bookstore embracing gothic and “witchy” themes will open Sept. 9 in Czech…

Sisters Books & Nooks