small business

Sisters Books & Nooks

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 Village. Sisters Books & Nooks, founded by Jamie Sharar and Sarah Danielson, will focus on romantasy, horror, thrillers, mystery, fantasy, banned books and LGBTQIA+ voices.…

The Eat Shop nears opening of second, larger location in Marion

Cheryl Maloney says she lives her life by saying “yes,” then figuring out the details…

Cheryl Maloney at the front counter of The Eat Shop’s new location in Uptown Marion. The bakery, at 1107 Seventh Ave., is set to open Feb. 1. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

Cedar Rapids marketing agency JWMorton rebrands

Cedar Rapids-based marketing and branding agency JWMorton has rebranded after 40 years in business. The…

JWMorton

Sanctuary Pub, Which Wich in Iowa City closed for business

Sanctuary Pub, a favorite English-inspired watering hole in Iowa City since 1972, has closed its…

English-inspired Sanctuary Pub, at 405 S. Gilbert St.

Wilson’s Orchard announces restaurant closure

Iowa City-based Wilson’s Orchard & Farm will be closing its restaurant and converting the upper…

A view of the dining area inside Wilson's Ciderhouse in Iowa City.

Iowa City organizations launch Underestimated Small Business Grants

Greater Iowa City, Inc., in partnership with the Community Foundation of Johnson County and South…

CREDIT GREATER IOWA CITY INC.

Real Success with Nate Kaeding: Sam Gelman, The Webster

Sam Gelman is the co-owner of The Webster and The Paper Crane, two restaurants in…

Riene Gelman (left), Sam Gelman (middle), Edwin Lee (right), are the team behind Paper Crane Ramen Shop & Cocktail Lounge. CREDIT IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

Home-based Stay Cozy thrives on curiosity, creativity

“Some of the things I do don’t always make business sense,” said Jessica Bass, whose…

Jessica Bass poses with her unique hand-crocheted creations.

Real Success with Nate Kaeding: Ryan Miller with Farmer’s Hen House

Ryan Miller is the co-owner and president of Farmer’s Hen House, the Kalona-based company providing…

Farmer’s Hen House, Ryan Miller

Lion Bridge Brewing launches MoonDream THC beverage brand

Lion Bridge Brewing has announced the launch of MoonDream, a line of THC-infused sparkling waters.…

MoonDream THC beverages. CREDIT MOONDREAM

SBA approves loans to seven Iowa Corridor small businesses in September

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has released its monthly loan approval figures in Iowa…

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans Iowa

Empowered Solutions Collective launches with focus on equity

Sarah Blais and Tamara Marcus have combined their varied backgrounds to address equity, social justice,…

Tamara Marcus and Sarah Blais pose for a portrait.

Applications due Nov. 6 for Iowa City’s Targeted Small Business grants

Iowa City has introduced a new grant initiative aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and small…

Johnson County employees to participate in nationwide “Great Apple Crunch” event

Johnson County employees will join a nationwide celebration of local food sourcing on Wednesday, Oct.…

A Honeycrisp apple from Buffalo Ridge Orchards in Central City rests in someone's hand.

Real Success with Nate Kaeding: Bob Brown with Modern

Bob Brown is the chief executive officer of Modern Companies, the full-service mechanical contractor that…

Bob Brown stands in his office at Modern Companies

The Webster team to open ramen shop in downtown Iowa City

A new ramen shop and cocktail lounge is opening in downtown Iowa City this October.…

Riene Gelman (left), Sam Gelman (middle), Edwin Lee (right), are the team behind Paper Crane Ramen Shop & Cocktail Lounge. CREDIT IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN DISTRICT