small business

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

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 receiving $50,000 in Amazon Web Services support from PREDICTif Solutions. Terraform Tillage, led by Josh Jeske, and NeuroPred, Inc., led by Michal Brzus, split top…

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

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.

Glide & Go Skate City to launch this winter in Iowa City

A new skating rink will make its debut at the Iowa City Marketplace this winter.…

A rendering of one of the skating rinks at Glide & Go Skate City.

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.

FSB launches free seminar series for small businesses

Farmers State Bank (FSB) is launching a free, four-week program designed to provide entrepreneurs and…

FSB

City of Anamosa in final phase of downtown revitalization efforts

The city of Anamosa lies at the confluence of the Wapsipinicon River and Buffalo Creek,…

A painter on an extension ladder works on a second story building facade in downtown Anamosa on July 8, 2025.

Downtown Iowa City fair trade retailer rebrands, expands mission

Downtown Iowa City’s Ten Thousand Villages will rebrand as Mosaic Iowa City, marking what owner…

Liz Preciado, owner, and Deb Manning, assistant director, of Mosaic Iowa City. Ten Thousand Villages