Economic Development Center (EDC), a non-profit business accelerator based in Cedar Rapids, has been selected as one of 60 winners of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2019 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition.
The recipients represent accelerators and incubators across 39 states and territories and will receive a total of $3 million in awards to help support startups and entrepreneurs researching and developing STEM-related innovations. Each accepted accelerators and incubators will compete for monetary prizes of $50,000 each.
EDC was founded in 2003 and in its first 15 years of operation, EDC entrepreneur members have raised and employed over $428 million in capital, generated over $1.8 billion in new revenue and over $529 million in new wages paid.
The Growth Accelerator Fund Competition was launched in 2014 with $2.5million in appropriated funds.
Click here for more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition and a full list of award winners.
ISU opens Digital Manufacturing Lab
Iowa State University Digital Manufacturing Lab hosted its grand opening yesterday afternoon.
The lab will to introduce technologies that will help Iowa manufacturers improve and expand their business. Alliant Energy will use the space to provide advice and counsel to businesses, while also collaborating with ISU faculty and students on research opportunities and internships.
“Imagine if you could test run a production line, and try out some really promising new technology on a small-scale,” said Joel Schmidt VP of Business and Development at Alliant Energy. “Not only would you know if you have something that works, you also cut down on the time it would take to get that solution in place.”
Visitors were given a tour of three lab stations within the operation. One was digital printing, another was a digital scanner for measuring parts, and another station used robotic arms to manufacture.
“Our survey of manufacturers, three out of every four manufacturers in Iowa say in the next five years lack of workforce will limit their growth, they want to grow,” said Ron Cox, Director of the ISU CIRAS Office.
DSM Fashion Week to present Nightfall Fashion Show this weekend
DSM Fashion Week will hold its fourth annual Fashion Show September 28th, 2019.
The fashion show will take place from 4:30 – 9:00 pm at the Cowles Commons performing arts venue, permitting good weather. Otherwise, the show will be held at Gravitate Coworking Downtown.
A portion of the proceeds from the show will go to Pi515, an after school class that educates refugee 7-12th grade students on basic computer coding.
Tickets to the show are available now, starting at $25.