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Economic Development

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State loosens unemployment guidelines for workers affected by COVID-19

Iowa Workforce Development, responding to an anticipated surge in unemployed Iowans because of temporary business closures due to the coronavirus, has loosened its guidelines for qualifying for unemployment benefits.

In addition, the state is waiving …

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Partnership updates events schedule, urges small business support

The Greater Des Moines Partnership released information late Friday afternoon on its response to the coronavirus emergency, including an updated list of events that will be either moved online, postponed or canceled. Among the largest …

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NFIB survey: Majority of small businesses not yet affected by outbreak

A majority of U.S. small businesses say they are not currently affected by the coronavirus outbreak, according to survey results released today by the National Federation of Independent Business. Based on a random survey of its membership …

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‘Individual’ claims for state Research Activities Credits up 50% in 2019

The state of Iowa issued $78.4 million in tax credits to businesses in 2019 through the Research Activities Credit, according to an Iowa Department of Revenue report released Thursday. The annual report, which is the 10th full-year …

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Harrington to succeed Chambers in leading West Des Moines Chamber

The West Des Moines Chamber board of directors has named Katherine Harrington as its new president and chief executive officer. Harrington, currently director of innovation at Business Publications Corp. in Des Moines, will succeed Carole …

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Competitive grants available for rural Iowa projects

Two competitive grants are available to Iowa communities with less than 20,000 residents, the Iowa Economic Development Authority recently announced. The Rural Innovation Grant Program, which has up to $300,000 available, can be used to …

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Supply disruption worries reflected in quarterly Iowa Business Survey

Iowa manufacturers are concerned about supply disruptions due to coronavirus, according to the results of the latest ABI Quarterly Iowa Business Survey released Tuesday. “Uncertainty is never good for business, and members are concerned about the unknown,” …

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Johnston business owner named Iowa’s Small Business Person of the Year by SBA

Johnston businesswoman Sabetha Mumm, owner of Dance Vision, was named Iowa’s 2020 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

The honor was announced last week by U.S. SBA Administrator Jovita …

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March 13: Capital Crossroads Informational Session

Host: Capital Crossroads
About: Capital Crossroads, the region’s strategic vision plan, is hosting an informational session on March 13. Accomplishments and current initiatives that are shaping our region will also be shared. Details of the …

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Mid-America Business Index falls for February

The February Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for a nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, sank for the month, but remained above growth-neutral.

Iowa’s overall index has climbed above …