NewBoCo logo and return to home page link

Growing a Diverse Startup Community in Iowa’s Creative Corridor

[vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px”][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px”][text_output]Iowa Startup Accelerator joined the Creative Corridor last year. We love being a member of the startup community and being integrated in Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We know that we are lucky to call the Corridor home and that we were quickly plugged into the network due to our already connected founders and friends. We also know that not everyone is so lucky. That’s why we pledged to facilitate opportunities to bring in new members to the startup community.

Our first step is the ISA 2015 Community Connection Welcome Party. This event is aimed at introducing new members of the Creative Corridor to key players in the community.

This project did not come about overnight. It all started with a problem: Iowa ranks dead last in the number of female and minority business owners. Our first big step toward a solution: Bring on Alizabeth Jetter as the ISA Diversity Experience Volunteer Liaison to help us plan and host a welcome reception specifically aimed at featuring diverse business leaders from Iowa’s Creative Corridor.

August 29 is marked on our calendar, and we hope that our neighbors, friends, and newcomers have as well.

There are a number of people and groups who need to be thanked for making this event possible. If you want to know who is motivated to grow a diverse startup community, check out our sponsors, volunteers, and vendors.

Sponsors:
Iowa Startup Accelerator
Chuck and Mary Ann Peters
Diversity Focus
Iowa Women Lead Change (IWLC)
Geonetric

Special Thanks To:
Alizabeth Jetter
Stacey Walker
Jasmine Almoayed
Andre Wright
Kim Vogel
Caroline Luter-French
SBDC
City of Cedar Rapids
Czech Village/NewBo District
The Leviathans, string quartet comprised of Iowa BIG students (Ella Wake, Aren Buresh, Taylor Zeller, Rachel Maly, Jordan Boettger, led by Ebony Watkins)

Featured Vendors:
Allen’s Orchard
Brewhemia
Dumpling Darlings
Far East Foodie
Goodies Apetit
La Reyna
Shawnie Cakes and Moma Pearl’s
Sweet Raw Joy
VBJ Beverages – BLEU Vodka[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Share with a friend or colleague: