small business

Customers make their way through the Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Rapids during opening day in 2025. Iowa’s farmers market season begins in May, with the large-scale downtown market opening on May 30.

As grocery prices climb, Iowa farmers markets try to hold steady

Iowa farmers markets could be a refuge from food inflation, at least in the short term. Surging fuel prices, fertilizer prices that have risen nearly 50% since the war in Iran began and other input costs that affect farmers won’t…

Real Success with Nate Kaeding: Jesse Sauerbrei, Lincoln Winebar

Jesse Sauerbrei is the owner of Lincoln Winebar, the acclaimed wood-fired pizza and wine restaurant…

Jesse Sauerbrei Lincoln Winebar

New owners take the helm at Colonial Lanes

Colonial Lanes, a long-standing bowling center and cherished Iowa City institution for decades, is under…

A Colonial Lanes patron watches the bowling ball she just released glide toward the pins on the bowling lane. Despite renovations going on, business has not slowed down for the bowling center. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Micky’s Irish Pub expands to Davenport

Micky’s Irish Pub is scheduled to open in downtown Davenport on or around Saturday, Feb. 1.…

Micky’s Irish Pub will soon open at 429 E. Third St., Davenport. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON

Calyx Creek and Lavender wins Iowa Farm Bureau prize

Oxford-based Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging has won the second -place prize for the Iowa…

Taylor and Stephanie Getting, owners of Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging in Oxford.

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.