Rural Business Initiative Grant Application Window Opens
The Iowa Rural Development Council’s (IRDC) Rural Business Initiative is seeking to fund projects that support small businesses, through guidance and grant dollars. This round’s funding is provided by grant dollars from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The online application can be found at https://iowardc.org/entrepreneurship/ Applications must align with one of... Read More →
Wapello County Youth Engagement Zoominar Available
The July 26 IRDC Zoominar on the Wapello County Youth Community Co-Designer Pre-Apprenticeship Program is available for viewing. Presenters Krista Tedrow, Diana Dominguez and Michael Rodriguez talked about the program designed to train, and pay youth as consultants to co-design systems through social change initiatives, enhancing leadership skills and job... Read More →
IRDC Zoominar on WealthWorks Available for Viewing
The June 2024 IRDC Zoominar featured a fascinating overview of wealth creation and strategic value-chain development from Melissa Levy of WealthWorks using tools from the National Association of Development Organization (NADO) and their wealth creation platform. The recording of the Zoominar can be found by clicking HERE. The passcode to access... Read More →
IRDC Zoominar on Arts, Culture and IEDA
The February installment of the IRDC Zoominar series featured David Schmitz and Jon Berg of the Iowa Arts Council, who discussed the recent transition of programs under the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs into their new home at the Iowa Economic Development Authority. David and Jon provided some context, as... Read More →
2024 Iowa Rural Summit Registration Open
AMES, IOWA – Registration is open for the 8th annual Iowa Rural Summit, to be held April 11-12 at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, Ames IA. Past years’ gatherings of leaders from rural communities from across the state have drawn crowds of almost 400. Rural communities are once again being... Read More →
UI Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities Slide Deck
The University of Iowa’s Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities had its moment in the IRDC Zoominar spotlight on 1.26.24. Associate Professor Travis Kraus talked about the program and shared examples of communities that have benefited from the insights of UI faculty and students. Although no recording of the Zoominar is... Read More →
IRDC Zoominar Shines Light on Iowa Nonprofits!
The November 2024 IRDC Zoominar featured a look inside the almost-one-year-old Iowa Nonprofit Alliance. INA Director Bethany Snyder shared background into the development of a statewide association of non-profits in Iowa – a structure that states like Illinois and Minnesota have had for decades. More than 50 IRDC members –... Read More →
K-12 Tech Education Zoominar Available
Samantha Dahlby, Director of K-12 Education for NewBoCo presented at the October IRDC Zoominar. The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo) has a mission to accelerate world-changing ideas, from Iowa. NewBoCo’s programming supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and tech education to help Iowans become more resilient and thrive in a changing economy. NewBoCo’s K–12... Read More →
IRDC Zoominar Features Discussion of Civility, Character
Robert D. and Billie Ray Center Executive Director Scott Raecker spent 60 minutes on September 28th discussing the Center, its mission and its work developing and supporting leaders of all ages. Scott also highlighted the Ray Center’s work with businesses and communities, promoting strategies to enhance a culture that encourages... Read More →
Entrepreneurship Ecosystems Focus of August Zoominar
Thanks to Diana Wright of the Greater Des Moines Partnership who presented August 25th on an initiative underway in the Ames-Des Moines Region. That broad entrepreneurial ecosystem project that includes the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (REAP). You can watch the Zoom recording of the presentation by clicking HERE Diana’s slide deck can... Read More →
