Iowa Core

Rethink Iowa fellowship - community-led research fellowship that includes weekly engagements with underrepresented entrepreneurs in Iowa, educational workshops with technical experts, and public/ private sector leadership talent development. Success is measured through authentic storytelling, resilient human potential, and equitable policy making. Fellowship participants also engage in research to reduce social welfare barriers and improve the wellbeing of historically disenfranchised communities. Thanks to annual donations of in-kind services and support resources from the mrg impact fund - nongrantor charitable lead unitrust this program has been a catalyst to innovation and participatory program developments. Learn more - https://rethinkiowa.org

Shop black Iowa - a curated e-commerce marketplace for historically disenfranchised small businesses in Iowa that allows customers from Iowa and other states to purchase goods and services that showcase Iowa's diverse economy. Any small Business that is at least 51% owned by one or more individuals who have been historically subjected to racial or ethnic prejudices or cultural biases within the larger american culture have access to a trusted e-commerce marketplace and resources that is a destination for all. Success is measured by the number of businesses registered to sell on the online platform, the number of items they publish for e-commerce, and accumulated capacity building support / outreach engagements. Thanks to donations of in-kind support from member marketplace Inc. and local sponsors, the online marketplace registration and costs are subsidized for the first 100 businesses that register for the platform. Currently there are more than 40 businesses registered. Learn more - httpsrethinkiowashopwhereilivecom

Black capital study + projects - the black captial study + projects (bcs+p) consists of 18+ active projects in service of building capacity for traditional monetary capital access as well as non-monetary types of capital for an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in and connected to waterloo, Iowa. Each project demonstrates a commitment to four components: a) evolving curriculum/technical skill development; b) responsive program delivery; 3) rigorous research and 4) trustworthy communication. Thanks to grant funds invested by the ewing marion kauffman foundation, and donations of in-kind services and support from the university of northern Iowa - john pappajohn entrepreneurial center this 3-year research study will publish its findings in or about july 2025 for inclusive ecosystems to thrive around the world.. Learn more - https://www.blackcapitalstudy.org.

Social enterprise / impact incubator - an innovative program that opens doors of opportunity for historically disenfranchised populations to develop servant leadership skills, design solutions to that impact historically underserved communities, and scale social enterprises in Iowa. Through an assessment and the competition of a certification program, any social enterprises are elevated to revolutionize sustainable Business practices, ensuring local businesses are both profitable and making a positive societal contribution. Success is measured through an inclusive ecosystem and social justice framework that accelerates innovation, builds shared governance, and protects community equity. Currently there are more than 10 social enterprises being developed or in full operation, each Business has access to an in-kind grant of services and resources procured by rethink Iowa llc, not to exceed 2,500 fmv.