$50M in Grants: Fueling American Skills and Rebuilding Local Manufacturing

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
May 18, 2026 11:45 am

By Brad Zaun (SBA Regional Administrator - Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska)We all remember the backbone of this country—the skilled hands, the innovative minds, and the resilient small businesses that build our modern life.

Batch & Build Workshop Focuses on Business Opportunity for Drainage Contractors

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
May 15, 2026 6:43 pm

The dos and don’ts for constructing bioreactors, saturated buffers, oxbows and wetlands to be discussedAMES, Iowa – Two identical workshops aimed at training contractors on the construction and installation of drainage water quality improvement practices have been scheduled for mid-June.

Clayton County Pasture Walk to Be Held June 30

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
May 13, 2026 3:08 pm

 Forage producers interested in learning more about pasture weed management, fertility and interceding are invited to a pasture walk on June 30 from 6 to 8:00 p.

Food Processors Invited to Attend FDA-Recognized Food Safety Course in Ames

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
May 11, 2026 2:04 pm

Food Innovation and Business Hub will host two training options for the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance Preventive Controls for Human Food Version 2.

Stateline Dairy and Ag Outlook Seminar Set for June 10

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
May 7, 2026 11:46 am

Navigating Change: Markets, Management and the Next GenerationIowa State University Extension and Outreach’s annual Stateline Dairy and Ag Outlook Seminar will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at Empty Nest Winery, 1352 Apple Road, Waukon.

New Series Offers Insight into How Farmland Values are Determined

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
May 6, 2026 12:47 pm

 A new three-part educational series from Ag Decision Maker assists landowners, producers, lenders and investors in better understanding what drives farmland values across Iowa and the Midwest.

Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference Set for May 20

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
May 5, 2026 4:12 pm

Join farmland and agricultural experts to gain insight into current issues affecting land markets  Farm managers, rural appraisers, real estate brokers and others interested in the Iowa land market can expect timely updates at this year’s  Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference  on May 20 in Ames.

Kirkwood Adds Business Analytics Technician Program for Fall 2026

KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
May 4, 2026 11:48 am

Kirkwood Community College will introduce a new Business Analytics Technician program beginning in the fall 2026 semester. The online program prepares students for high-demand careers that use data to make business decisions.

Upcoming Webinar Helps Food Businesses Price Products with Confidence

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
May 1, 2026 7:14 pm

The Food Innovation and Business Hub with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a new webinar, “Know Your Costs, Keep Your Profit,” on May 28 from 11:00 am to noon.

Beyond the 'Open' Sign

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
April 30, 2026 11:50 pm

By Brad ZahnThe Grit Keeping America’s Main Streets Alive by Brad Zaun (SBA Regional Administrator - Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska)American business life is often found not in shiny corporate headquarters, but in quiet moments.