AABP EP Awards 728x90

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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Applications for SBA program for women-owned rural small businesses due Jan. 15

The U.S. Small Business Administration, the Office of Rural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have partnered to launch the Rural Ascent Agricultural Training Program, targeting women-owned small businesses in farming, ranching or value-added processing …

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Joe Vande Kieft Named Central College’s CIO

Central College announced the appointment of Joseph Vande Kieft, a 1999 Central graduate, as its new chief information officer. He will oversee the Information Technology Services department in strategic planning and enhancing the college’s digital …

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Hummingbirds raises more than $1M in seed funding

Hummingbirds, an online platform that connects businesses with hyper-local content creators, announced it has raised more than $1 million in funding. The fundraising round was led by Chicago-based venture capital firm M25 with participation by …

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Arts Festival forms group to support creative entrepreneurship

The Des Moines Arts Festival today announced the launch of Artswork, a new organization designed to support creative entrepreneurs and advance the creative economy in Central Iowa.

According to a news release announcing the creation …

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Part-time plant business grows to full-time venture

In 2021, Hunter Frescoln began his plant and garden company as a part-time, web-based business.

However, as demand grew the 30-year-old interior designer decided to turn the Trendy Gardener Design + Plantscapes into a full-time venture.

Frescoln…
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TAI announces 2023 state, federal policy priorities

The Technology Association of Iowa has announced its state and federal principles and priorities for the 2023 legislative year. TAI’s legislative priorities for 2023 are:

Connectivity: Facilitate high-performance internet connectivity using the best available technologies for…
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A Closer Look: Juan Pablo Sanchez

Joining the Greater Des Moines Partnership in the newly created role of director of inclusive business strategies is only the second job in Juan Pablo Sanchez’s career.


For almost 20 years prior, Sanchez served in …

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ViClarity recognized as a top regulatory technology company

Governance, risk and compliance technology and consulting firm ViClarity was recognized last week on FinTech Global’s RegTech 100 list, which identifies innovative regulatory technology companies around the world. Companies are selected by the FinTech Global …

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Pratum to be acquired by Heartland Business Systems

Heartland Business Systems, a Wisconsin-based provider of technology services including integration, consulting and business automation, announced today plans to acquire information security company Pratum, headquartered in Ankeny. “We are thrilled to enter into this agreement …

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VizyPay announces promotions for new employee development department

Waukee-based payments company VizyPay announced today two promotions to build out its new Learning and Development Department. Alex Schaffer, bottom picture, will move into the role of director of learning and development and Marj Chaffin, top picture, is being …