IOWA

Organizers of Simpson College’s entrepreneurial program, EMERGE@Simpson, have formed a nonprofit foundation aimed at providing a source of seed funding and expertise to entrepreneurial ventures at Simpson as well as other small private colleges and community colleges in Iowa. Des Moines Business Record 

ACT CEO Marten Roorda has joined CEOs from more than 330 of the world’s largest companies in signing the CEO ACTion for Diversity and Inclusion pledge, which commits leaders to taking specific actions to increase diversity and inclusion both in their companies and in society as a whole. Corridor Business Journal

Nominations for the Deloitte CFO of the Year award are now open. The award serves to honor an individual for outstanding performance in his or her role as corporate financial steward. Des Moines Business Record

As two couples embarked on new chapters in their lives, a familiar Marion venue has become a new business. Cedar Rapids Gazette 

Lisa Schafman wants to give employees at her small business the tools they need to avoid perpetrating sexual harassment, and to respond to incidents should they crop up at the workplace. Quad-City Times

The Quad-City Times featured Ronda Meyer, vice president/controller with Per Mar Security, in last week’s “Each One Teach One” spotlight. The regular feature offers career advice from established Quad-City area business and community leaders to those just starting out. Quad-City Times 

A popular bakery chain that got its start in Las Vegas has opened a franchise in Clive. Nothing Bundt Cakes, which sells bundt cakes in a variety of sizes and flavors, debuted Nov. 21 at 1255 N.W. 128th St. Franchisees Sharon Hansen and Melissa Hegarty also own Nothing Bundt Cake stores in Omaha and Lincoln. Des Moines Register 

When stepping into Traci Paulsen’s new business, people will instantly see a wide range of furniture and other home decor from vintage styling to more modern and unique items. Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil 

NATIONAL

The New Voices Fund, a $50 million investment fund established by Unilever and Sundial, will help support black women entrepreneurs. One goal is to address the product needs of multicultural and millennial consumers. Essence online