Iowa DOT RISE Program Zoominar Available
The IRDC’s March 2026 Zoominar featured Jennifer Kolacia of the Iowa Department of Transportation talking about the Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) grant program. See the recording here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/pV_k1aDQgjXQBhR4ymYUUH0civk9b51yoB134zWEKln4XkTDOCKx26H5EHlPRFRw.Wn2VHlCjSatVeRgt Passcode: VQSW9hR= View in Zoom And see the slide deck at 260320 RISE Overview!
UNI Family Business Center Zoominar Available
The Iowa Rural Development Council’s monthly “Zoominar” featured insights from the University of Northern Iowa’s Family Business Center on February 27th. FBC Director Dan Beenken and Program Associate Kristen Toppin shared their work with family-owned businesses and provided insights to attendees on encouraging the sustainability of those operations. Greater Dubuque... Read More →
IEDA City Development Board Zoominar Recording Available
Some 80 attendees heard Iowa Economic Development Authority City Development Board Manager Jessica Drake talk about the board’s work, rules and regulations regarding annexations and insights into boundary change processes. IEDA has recently updated information and resources available to cities regarding boundary changes – annexations, severances, discontinuances, and incorporations and... Read More →
December Zoominar (Leading by Serving) Recording Available
More than 75 IRDC members and partners watched live on December 19th as ISU Extension’s Himar Hernandez presented on the elements of servant leadership. The Zoominar can be viewed by using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/3T18zPnA8TWLtyyQZOElwIuPglYratJHwFuosj_DQu15Lr49N1V8RbO-RywWj3Mk.bEPRDSkOheR6mfA- Passcode: &6QmdqTQ Himar’s slide deck is HERE., Our next IRDC Zoominar is Friday, January 30th at... Read More →
November IRDC Zoominar with AARP Iowa Recording/Materials Available!
The November episode of the IRDC Zoominar featuring Michael Wagler and Robert Lyons of AARP Iowa is available. The intersection of rural livability and age-friendly communities has huge implications for small towns across the state. And they have grant dollars to help empower that work!! See the recording: Click HERE. ... Read More →
IRDC Zoominar on DOE Onsite Energy Program Recording Available
The recording of the October 31st IRDC Zoominar on the Onsite Energy Program run in the Midwest by the University of Illinois-Chicago is available by clicking here. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Hcws2z8tOJIjYj_t_EYUV0mriJ8QfUAF0ZVmbIYp8JM0GR2Igye3fdBYwBE5QrCw.Uk8xB3t7Oxnf66B4 Passcode: 7*rj8srP Graeme Miller’s slidedeck is HERE. Join us in November for a look at AARP’s Age Friendly Communities!
Rural Business Initiative Application Webinar Recording Available
The Zoom recording of the October 16th webinar on the application process for the 2025 round of Rural Business Initiative grant funding is available. Chatbox notes and pilot project best practices are also included. The RBI 2.0 application window closes on November 7th. Four or five applicants will be selected... Read More →
IRDC Zoominar on Hometown Pride Available for Re-Viewing
The September IRDC Zoominar highlighting the successes of Keep Iowa Beautiful’s “Hometown Pride” program is available to view. KIB’s Lorin Ditzler as well as Hometown Pride coaches Sara Jones and Tricia Wagner shared information and insights into the program and suggestions on engaging volunteers in rural communities. See the recording... Read More →
Rural Business Initiative Grant Program Application Window Opens
For Immediate Release September 29,2025 Wells Fargo Foundation Grant to Support Rural Small Business Development Des Moines, Iowa – Building on the success of a pilot program focused on supporting small businesses in rural communities, the Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Iowa Rural Development... Read More →
Homes for Iowa Zoominar Recording Available
The Newton-based Homes for Iowa program took the spotlight during the IRDC’s June, 2025 monthly Zoominar. The recording of the session can be found at: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/xJjaWa7R3NKGnSFsvT9lPtoWB0BXjqnMr9T5u-lSGq5XII9H0PKsJLcDprf9hyxK.plu2PMlaRmSidaE_ Passcode: h9+Q2dKB The presentation slide deck is HERE.
