Iowa Economic Development Authority

08/26/2026

We are so proud of our Iowa Arts & Culture team, and all partners involved in making this beautiful project come to life! 🤩

In Independence, the new “Celebrate Our Spirit” mural is already doing what great community art does: bringing people together, adding energy to downtown and giving people another reason to stop and appreciate the place they call home.

Finished just before RAGBRAI, the mural quickly became a photo stop for riders passing through town.

But the mural is about more than the places we recognize. It reflects the people, stories and community pride that make Independence what it is.

That’s the power of public art. It can transform a space while celebrating the identity and spirit of a community.

Congratulations to everyone who brought “Celebrate Our Spirit” to life, including community leaders and artist Jenna Brownlee, who created something Independence can be proud of for years to come.

08/21/2026

Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation is officially an Iowa Certified Site — 720 acres and the second-largest certified site currently in Iowa.

Located within an established ag and manufacturing corridor, the site is already surrounded by major industry, including Cargill, CJ BIO America and Valero. With two Class I railroads, a workforce partnership with Iowa Central Community College and a community investing in its future, Fort Dodge has built a strong foundation for continued growth.

So, what does certification mean?

It means key environmental, infrastructure and site reviews are complete, giving companies greater certainty as they evaluate where to invest and helping them move more quickly from site selection to construction.

The goal is simple: get ahead of the opportunity instead of trying to catch up to it.

Fort Dodge has done exactly that — preparing a development-ready site while continuing to invest in its downtown, riverfront, workforce housing and quality of life. Because companies aren’t just looking for a piece of land. They’re looking for a community where they can succeed.

Congratulations to the City of Fort Dodge, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, Iowa Central Community College, MidAmerican Energy, County Board of Supervisors and all of the local leaders and partners who helped make this happen.

IEDA is proud to partner with Fort Dodge through the Iowa Rural Certified Site Initiative and help rural communities across Iowa prepare to compete for major development opportunities.

Fort Dodge is ready. We can’t wait to see what comes next.

08/20/2026

For Billy Weathers, entrepreneurship is about creating room for belonging.

At The Contrary in Des Moines, he has built an intentional cocktail lounge centered on connection, inclusion and experiences that challenge expectations. The result is a business contributing to Iowa’s growing culinary conversation and demonstrating what can happen when a distinct vision finds a supportive place to grow.

Read how Billy is building something different in Iowa: https://bit.ly/4cLZ2Cz

08/16/2026

Nick Hanke and Phil Shires are showing what can happen when a big culinary idea finds the right place to grow.

At Masao in Des Moines, Nick’s sushi background meets Phil’s French technique in a restaurant that is helping reshape Iowa’s food scene — and earning James Beard recognition along the way.

Their story is proof that building something distinctive can happen right here in Iowa.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3UxODnK

08/11/2026

If you build it, they will come. ⚾️

Tom Olberding did just that when he left his career as a pharmacist to follow his dream of opening a hometown brewery. Today, Textile Brewing Company is a Dyersville gathering place for made-in-house beer, local cider and good food.

In town for the big game this week? Add a stop at Textile to your plans. 🍻

Read more about Tom's story: https://bit.ly/4xG07UN

08/06/2026

Today was a special day as we celebrated the reopening of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum!

The new exhibits use immersive storytelling and interactive experiences to introduce a new generation to President Hoover's legacy of innovation, leadership, problem-solving, and service. Those values continue to help shape Iowa's future as we grow our economy, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

IEDA was proud to support this remarkable transformation, helping create a world-class visitor experience that will educate and inspire Iowans and visitors from across the country for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life. If you haven't visited West Branch recently, add it to your travel plans and experience it for yourself.

08/03/2026

Ian Robertson could have built his career in kitchens almost anywhere in the world. He trained and worked across major food cities, including Paris, London, Chicago and New York — but something kept bringing him back to Iowa.

Today, Ian is building something special at Oak Park in Des Moines, where his global experience meets Iowa’s farm-fresh ingredients, supportive food community and authentic approach to hospitality.

For Ian, Iowa offers more than professional opportunity. It offers space for family, connection to local farmers, room to create and a community where people show up for one another.

Read his story here: https://bit.ly/4w7C2VH

07/22/2026

Every small business starts with a dream. 🌜💭

For the team at Your Dream Salon, that dream became a reality through hard work, passion and a commitment to creating a space where everyone feels welcome. With support from Iowa's Small Business Collateral Support Program, they were able to take the next step in bringing their vision to life. We're excited to highlight their story and celebrate the entrepreneurs helping Iowa communities thrive.

To learn more! https://opportunityiowa.gov/business/small-business-entrepreneurs/small-business-resources/state-small-business-credit-initiative-ssbci

Follow along their journey!
Website: https://www.yourdreamsalon.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/your.dreamsalon/

07/21/2026

As we wrap up Day 2 at the Farnborough International Airshow, we're proud to be sharing Iowa's aerospace and defense story with industry leaders from around the world.

This week, we're showcasing the partnerships and innovation that set Iowa apart alongside ISU College of Engineering, University of Iowa College of Engineering and Eastern Iowa Airport • CID | Aerospace Hub. Together, these organizations demonstrate the research capabilities, talent pipeline and industry collaboration that continue to drive growth across Iowa's aerospace and defense sector.

There's still time to connect with us! If you haven't stopped by yet, visit the Iowa Economic Development Authority team at Booth #2428 to learn how Iowa is helping aerospace and defense companies launch, grow and succeed. https://www.businessiowa.com/industry/aerospace/

Come see why companies are setting their heights on Iowa!