NewBoCo expands entrepreneurial support with CRBT partnership

One of the barriers The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc. (NewBoCo) has heard consistently throughout its 10 year history is access to guidance and support navigating loan processes and other capital resources.

  Buy Photo

NewBoCo -- which focuses on building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem through resources, mentorship, and support to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups -- is hoping some direct and in-person attention could change that.

NewBoCo has partnered with Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT) to provide entrepreneurs with direct access to financial expertise. Every Thursday, CRBT Business Banking Officer, Teresa Jensen, will be available by appointment at The Vault, NewBoCo’s coworking space, to help people navigate the lending process and connect with valuable financial resources.

“NewBoCo exists to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing the support they need to succeed,” said Jill Wilkins, Executive Director of NewBoCo. “Access to capital is a challenge we hear about often, and we are excited to collaborate with CRBT to bring financial guidance directly to those who need it most.”

Why This Partnership Matters

At NewBoCo, we believe financial literacy and access to capital are key components of business success. By bringing CRBT’s expertise into our coworking space, we are making it easier for the entrepreneurial and small business community to get the guidance they need in an accessible, welcoming environment.

  Buy Photo

“2024 was particularly special as we celebrated NewBoCo’s 10-year anniversary and saw our programs and services continue to grow throughout the state of Iowa and beyond,” Wilkins said. “The numbers we share aren’t just statistics — they represent our fellow community members. Someone with a big idea just getting started, a rural entrepreneur opening their first brick-and-mortar business. These are the people we serve, and partnerships like this one with CRBT allow us to continue making a difference.”

Navigating Funding Challenges

Entrepreneurs face a variety of financial hurdles, from securing working capital to understanding their business financials. Through this partnership, CRBT aims to demystify the funding process and provide hands-on support.

“Owning a business can be challenging, especially in times of economic uncertainty,” said Jensen. “Through this collaboration with NewboCo, we can offer insight to small businesses for financial resources … Our hope is to be a trusted long-term partner to businesses and provide necessary guidance for the growth and success of their business.”

At NewBoCo, we believe that no entrepreneur should have to figure it all out alone. By working together with community partners like CRBT, we are making sure that Iowa’s small business owners have access to the knowledge, resources, and funding they need to turn their ideas into reality.

The Next Decade

NewBoCo’s first 10 years are just the beginning. We remain committed to expanding our support for entrepreneurs and strengthening Iowa’s startup ecosystem.

“For those who have been part of our journey, thank you for your support — you make this work possible. For those new to NewBoCo, we invite you to join us in building a more innovative and connected community,” Wilkins said.

NewBoCo is also excited to introduce and highlight additional partners later this year, further expanding opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for funding guidance can schedule an appointment with Teresa Jensen at The Vault on Thursdays. More information about NewBoCo’s funding resources can be found at newbo.co/entrepreneurship/get-funding.

Jessica Abdoney is marketing and communications coordinator at NewBoCo. Comments: jessica.abdoney@newbo.co