SMALL BUSINESS - Iowa Starting Line

Mar 2026 16

8 Iowa flower festivals worth driving across the state for

By Tyler Francischine | THINGS TO DO, COMMUNITY, Tyler Francischine

Bask in beautiful blooms at these flower festivals happening across Iowa this spring and summer.

Iowa flower festivals promise adventure for the entire family.

Mar 2026 13

What to know about Iowa’s only pay-it-forward café

By Britteny Dee | LOCAL BUSINESS, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

One Iowa eatery is doing more than simply serving food. Discover how the state’s only pay-it-forward cafe is creating a community—and keeping it fed.

Groundswell Cafe operates on a pay-it-forward model designed to make sure everyone in the community has access to a healthy meal, regardless of their ability to pay.

Mar 2026 6

Iowa’s top maple syrup farms to visit or buy from

By Britteny Dee | FOOD AND DRINK, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

There is nothing sweeter than maple syrup straight from the farm. Discover the best maple syrup farms in Iowa to visit and buy from.

Maple syrup is one of the first crops harvested every year in Iowa, with the season typically beginning in late February.

Mar 2026 1

11 best spring & summer festivals in Iowa in 2026

By Dorothy Scott | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

The best festivals in Iowa this spring and summer range from food-centric events to those that support marginalized voices. Here are 11 you won’t want to miss.

Feb 2026 22

10 women-owned businesses to support in Cedar Rapids

By Britteny Dee | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

From a French bakery to a pet spa to a plant shop, discover Cedar Rapids’ top women-owned businesses.

Cedar Rapids is home to tons of small businesses worth supporting—and several of them are owned by women.

Jan 2026 28

OPINION: If Trump really cared about Main Street, Iowa would feel it

By Aaron Lehman, Mike Draper | LOCAL BUSINESS, OPINION, Aaron Lehman, Mike Draper

President Donald Trump visited Iowa this week, touting his economic record and asking voters to believe he stands with working people, small businesses, and farmers. As business and farm leaders...

Dec 2025 11

7 immigrant-owned businesses to support this holiday season—and year-round

By Dorothy Scott | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

Check out these immigrant-owned businesses to not only boost your local economy but also support those who the federal government is actively targeting.