IOWA

Iowa Master Florist Lora Dodd-Brosseau is bringing 37 years of floral design experience to her new business, Lily and Rose Floral Studio, which recently held its ribbon-cutting. Corridor Business Journal 

Kirkwood Community College announced it will hold its second-annual All Stars of ICR luncheon on May 24. The event honors young people making an impact in eastern Iowa’s key industries and brings occupations with shortages to the forefront in an effort to broaden the region’s talent pipelines. Corridor Business Journal 

A state board has approved paying a total of $4.15 million to two female employees who say they were harassed by Iowa Finance Authority director Dave Jamison. He was fired last March.Radio Iowa 

Lifespace Communities confirmed last week that Sloan Bentley has departed from her position as president and CEO of the organization. Bentley had led the West Des Moines-based nonprofit group of senior living communities since March 2014. Des Moines Business Record

Alliant Energy Chairman and CEO Patricia Kampling has announced her plans to retire from the company, effective July 1. She will be succeeded by President and COO John Larsen. Corridor Business Journal 

Mel’s Sweet Occasions will open its doors on Main Street in Ames from 4 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 26 to introduce the boutique-style bakery to the Ames community. Mel’s Sweet Occasions is owned by Melissa Bowker. Ames Tribune 

NATION

Women account for 40 percent of new entrepreneurs today, according to a report from American Express, and they start businesses for numerous reasons, including the flexibility to work when they want. Women also can overcome the gender pay gap by charging what they’re worth, and they have more control over their future by starting their own companies. Forbes

After learning that the average black woman founder raised only $42,000 in venture capital while the average male raised $2.1 million, Dee Poku Spalding decided to do something about it by launching the Black Women Raise initiative. Marie Claire 

A recent report obtained by the Intercept shows that some insurance companies are blacklisting entire industries amid #MeToo and increased sexual harassment complaints. Intercept 

A group known as Pipeline Angels is looking to build a funding environment that supports a more diverse group of founders, including women who are members of minority groups. Fast Company 

Millennial women are participating in the American job market at levels last seen in 2000 as people like Remya Ravindran dive back into the labor pool. Bloomberg Businessweek