Does Your Business Give Iowa Flavor?

November 30, 2023

The services that enhance life in Iowa – like farm-to-table restaurants, safe and stimulating childcare centers, rejuvenating salons and spas – are the collective muse of The Iowa Center of Economic Success.

“We work for the businesses that give Iowa flavor,” explains Megan Milligan, the center’s president and CEO.

If you’re one of these businesses (or thinking of becoming one), Milligan wants you to reach out. She and her staff of 14 provide assistance to the state’s small and startup businesses across three services: Business coaching, tax services and small business lending – all tailored specifically to the distinct needs of their clients.

As a community development financial institution, or CDFI as it’s more commonly called, The Iowa Center is a regulated lender. Funding for its business loans comes from a variety of partners, including Bank Iowa, which recently contributed $100,000 to fund the loans of three “flavorful” Iowa startups. You can hear more about how The Iowa Center uses capital to invest back into Iowa small businesses here.

Just a few of the businesses that have participated in The Iowa Center programs include Black-owned coffee and tea company BLK & Bold and woman-owned Two Lane Chiropractic and Club B-Fit.

In addition to helping businesses launch and grow, Milligan says the center also looks for established businesses that can offer expertise to its clients in one-on-one coaching or classroom training.

“When our partners contribute their unique professional experience, entrepreneurial dreams become executable plans,” said Milligan. “Each one of them is helping color the Iowa landscape with more vibrant small businesses.”

To learn more about The Iowa Center, visit theiowacenter.org.