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Scholarships and solving global hunger
The World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, breaking attendance records as 365 students from across the state gathered at Iowa State University’s Memorial Union. Jacob Hunter, a North Scott School District educator and…
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New Iowa Startup Conference Is Midwest Draw
What is Iowa Startup Week? The inaugural 4-day conference is coming to Des Moines, Iowa and will draw startup talent, investors and startup ecosystem advocates from the entire midwest. Founder Kaylee Williams (and host of our own Iowa…
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Secretary of Ag Mike Naig addresses glyphosate concerns
With cancer rates rising and water quality concerns, Iowans are paying closer attention to the Secretary of Agriculture election. Should we make changes? Should we ban chemical pesticides or herbicides like glyphosate? Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said…
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Why You Should Attend EntreFest 2026
In this episode, host Kaylee Williams speaks with Jan Finlayson, Director of Events at NewBoCo, about EntreFest—Iowa’s 14-year-old entrepreneurship conference. After pivoting through COVID, EntreFest has emerged stronger, offering over 70 speakers across 33 sessions plus 3 keynote…
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Iowa’s biggest stage for entrepreneurs
When it comes to startup-land and entrepreneurial-focused events, does it seem like the discussion always revolves around big Series A raises, venture capitalists, and adding the word “Silicon” to everything? Jan Finlayson, Event Director of EntreFest explains what…
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Iowa beer trends and what’s behind the Iowa Craft Brew Festival?
Iowa’s craft beer scene is experiencing a shift toward crisp, lower-alcohol beverages. Noreen Otto, the executive director of the Iowa Brewers Guild, highlights a major renaissance in craft ciders made from heritage fruits grown in local orchards. Consumers…
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Breaking Down the 7(a) and 504: Inside the SBA Loan Programs Built for Growth
Kaylee Williams sits down with Ryan Lincoln, District Director for the Small Business Administration in Iowa, to explore the SBA’s role in supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. After 21 years serving in the Marine…
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Can you train Ai to recommend your small business? yes.
Iowans are using ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok to answer questions about where to find local products or services. As a business owner do you have any control over what they say or recommend? Yes. In fact, you…
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Lahn Pops, Feenstra Drops, But Can They Pound Sand?
Iowa is experiencing a remarkably unpredictable election cycle, marked by unprecedented vacancies in its top offices. Kathie Obradovich, editor-in-chief of the Iowa Capital Dispatch, breaks down the bizarre election cycle, the Iowa GOP Gubernatorial flip, what’s happening in…
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Building for Impact: Matt Ostanik on Startups and Giving Back
In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews serial entrepreneur Matt Ostanik about his 20-year journey building four startups and his evolution from chasing profit to creating social impact. Matt begins by sharing his…
