From startups to spin-offs, incubators to accelerators, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the surrounding area have embraced entrepreneurship. This special section highlights some of those established efforts — some brand new — and the personalities that make them fly.
1 Million Cups — or 1MC — was developed on the idea of giving entrepreneurs and their communities a safe place to gather and connect, to share ideas and feedback, and to identify challenges and find opportunities. Its name is reflective of its mission: the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee.
Sadie Sell and Nicholas Terbovic never owned a business before co-founding Mabel & Pearl Tea Co. a year ago, but training opportunities and community resources have their business purring.
New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc.’s Iowa Startup Accelerator has piloted a new program model aimed at taking already profitable businesses and teaching them the tools to grow to the next level.
When a student has a spark for a business idea, the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Startup Incubator is the perfect place for them to connect with resources for exploring the next step.
The Cedar Rapids women’s boutique MODE, with stores in Marion and NewBo, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year — and that’s a big milestone for any small business.
Featuring Eastern Iowa women who have experienced powerful paths of achievement for themselves, their families and their communities.
Fred Newell was a young, single father when he arrived at the University of Iowa in 2006. He took his son to every class, and would have dropped out if not for the support he received from a professor. As executive director of the nonprofit Dream City, he’s helping provide that support -- and so much more -- for others.
As a PhD student at Iowa State University, Connor Thorpe modified the design of the classic gene gun using a 3D printer in his apartment. Now, he’s leading a biotechnology company that sells the product.
The Green House in Iowa City was the second plant bar in the state, and they’re using a KIVA Iowa loan to help purchase equipment and expand food offerings.
There’s a risk that comes with having long hair while welding. But Iowa State University student Boluwarin Ojo didn’t want to cut her hair. So she came up with a product to solve her problem. A program at ISU has given her time and money to develop the idea this summer, and she’s already won two pitch contests as she works toward bringing her product to market.
Owners Steve Shriver and Eric Engelmann need to spend more time on other ventures and hope to find a new owner for the event and music space who has desire to serve community and spend time on the venue.
Applications are open for the next round of the Iowa Startup Accelerator, with the hope that ideas start, grow and thrive in Iowa’s business landscape. With a renewed focus on marketing and sales, ISA’s relaunch signals a bold investment in Iowa’s future.
The Iowa Startup Accelerator is officially returning this fall with a renewed focus on helping Iowa-based startups sharpen their branding, marketing, and sales strategies.
One business will be selected Aug. 13 to receive six months of free rent, a year of mentorship and other benefits to support growth of small businesses in downtown Cedar Rapids. The contest has returned after a hiatus since its debut in 2022. Applications are due June 30.
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