On November 9th, young entrepreneurs and small business owners from all across rural Iowa will gather for the Rural Young Entrepreneur Summit (YES) in the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. The event provides an opportunity for young and/or emerging rural entrepreneurs to network and connect with resources and programs that can make a difference in the entrepreneurial culture of rural America. Governor Terry Brandstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will also be in attendance to learn from and share perspectives on opportunities for entrepreneurship in rural Iowa. During the event, a panel of young rural entrepreneurs will be sharing their business stories and discuss with attendees how they were able to make their enterprises successful in rural Iowa. Panelists include: Matt Russell, Coyote Run Farm (Lacona, Iowa)   Amy Strouth, Prairie Queen Bakery & Restaurant (Sheldon, Iowa) Pat Palmer, The Computer Guy (Hampton, Iowa) Mari Holthau... [More]

The on-line public voting phase of the regional Iowa Innovation Gateway DREAM BIG GROW HERE contest closed on Thursday, September 15th at 11:59 p.m. Thirty different regional entrepreneurs submitted testimonies about their businesses for the contest. Over 16,000 votes were cast throughout the voting period. Congratulations to: Chris Perkins, Go Topless Glassware Heidi Rockwell, Yumi’s Bakery & Deli Carol Von Klompenburg, The Write Place Josh Cowman & Jon Kettler, Skowty, LLC Simone Bates, Simone’s Cuppa These top five vote getters will now present to a panel of regional judges on September 20th to see who will take home the $5,000 regional grant. Judges will be using the following criteria to determine the final winner: the viability of the business, an effective plan for use of prize money, the ability to raise additional capital, a potential to generate wealth in the region, the business provides economic diversity to the region and there is a potential... [More]