By Jill Wilkins, NewBoCo Executive Director Six months ago, the Eastern Iowa Airport pitched a bold vision: leverage Iowa’s strength as an aviation powerhouse to build a world-class innovation cluster. Anchored by industry leaders like Collins Aerospace, BAE Systems, and 230+ other aerospace businesses, that initiative — known as Ascentus
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, September 24, 2026 — JPMorganChase today celebrated the grand opening of its first branch in Cedar Rapids as part of an overall effort to increase access to affordable banking services throughout the country. Located at 2870 Edgewood Rd. SW, the Cedar Rapids branch is designed to support
When 6-year-old Jamie Popper was asked what her ideal pet would be, she responded with, “I want a dog that stays small.” Since declaring that initial childhood dream, Jamie has evolved into a “big dog” in the pet industry, establishing herself as a top expert in canine fitness, training, and
Mari Hunt Wassink is the founder of Black Earth Gardens, a local farm that specializes in producing—using sustainable practices—premium quality vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are culturally important to Black communities in Eastern Iowa. They grow over 30 varieties, including okra, turnip greens, collards, mustard greens, and specialty hot peppers,
The EntreFEST Pitch Competition, presented by Hy-Vee, brought together community leaders, founders, investors, and supporters at Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids on June 13th, 2025, to hear from five entrepreneurs and their solutions to real-world problems. Out of over 40 applicants, the five finalists for 2025 were: Black Earth
At NewBoCo, we’re thrilled to celebrate an exciting milestone for Kiva Iowa—we’ve now supported more than 100 small business borrowers across 36 unique Iowa cities, ensuring that business owners from diverse backgrounds have access to capital through the power of crowdfunding! Since launching in late 2021, Kiva Iowa has facilitated
For Black History Month, we are excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible Black-owned businesses supported by Kiva Iowa. From international grocery stores to healing skincare products, these entrepreneurs exemplify creativity, resilience, and innovation. Supporting these businesses not only celebrates their achievements but also strengthens our communities. Let’s dive
Looking for the perfect holiday gifts while supporting small businesses? This curated gift guide highlights unique offerings from local businesses in our Kiva Iowa community
On March 22, the Fairfield Co-lab was especially crowded over the lunch hour. Local entrepreneurs had been gathering there for months for Traction Thursday, a new networking program for members of the Fairfield business community. Today, however, there was some extra buzz. Participants wanted to hear about Kiva Iowa.
Giving Tree Theater in Marion had some big goals when it first launched in 2015. One was to be “the best little arts organization in the region.” Another was to always give back to the community, by sharing $1 of every ticket sale with local nonprofits.
That tradition is still in place. And for the next few months, Giving Tree has selected NewBoCo as its latest nonprofit partner.
