JPMorganChase opened a new Chase bank branch Thursday in Ames. The new Ames branch is located at 435 S. Duff Ave. It is the bank’s 10th branch in Iowa and part of the bank’s broader expansion in the state. JPMorganChase also announced more than $1 million in philanthropic commitments to support Iowa entrepreneurs and small businesses. The funding will support efforts across the state including:

• The Iowa Center will receive $250,000 to expand support for small businesses outside major metropolitan centers. The organization provides business coaching along with credit and lending support and tax services.
• The Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) will receive $250,000 to support employee ownership as a strategy for keeping businesses operating and locally owned as owners retire. IA-CEO is a statewide resource that provides education and hands-on support for business owners, employees and communities navigating ownership transitions.
• The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative Inc. (NewBoCo), a Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit, will receive $250,000 to connect Iowa entrepreneurs with growth opportunities in the state’s aerospace industry. The funding will support efforts to guide new ventures from research to market and strengthen the broader business support ecosystem.
• The American Flood Coalition will receive $250,000 to support flood resilience efforts among family-owned farms through multi-cropping, a regenerative practice designed to improve soil health, increase crop diversity and reduce downstream flooding. The coalition will continue researching barriers to adoption and expand a network of farmers focused on peer learning across the state.