Iowa Economic Development Authority

10/13/2026

🛍️ Shop small. Support local. Celebrate Iowa!

Shop Iowa Day is back tomorrow, October 14, for its fifth year of celebrating the small businesses that make Iowa communities thrive!

From clothing and home décor to unique Iowa-made finds, it's the perfect opportunity to discover new favorites while supporting businesses right here in our state.

🎉 Here's what's in store:
🛒 30% off sitewide purchases
🎁 A chance to win a $250 shopping spree
📦 Free shipping from select businesses
✨ Special deals and giveaways throughout the day

Early access begins tonight at 6 p.m. for email and text subscribers, with deals opening to everyone tomorrow!

Every purchase makes a difference for Iowa's small businesses. ❤️

Explore and shop at ShopIowa.com

10/08/2026

Spooky season is here! Save this post to plan your family friendly Halloween outing. 🎃

10/08/2026

Historic preservation efforts in Iowa are receiving another boost.

IEDA has received $750,000 in federal funding through the National Park Service's Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program to support another round of Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grants.

The program helps rural communities preserve historic buildings, structures and sites while advancing community revitalization and economic development.

This award marks IEDA's third Paul Bruhn grant and the second consecutive year receiving funding through the program. Last year's award supported historic preservation projects in eight Iowa communities.

The next grant round opens in December, with applications due in March 2027.

Learn more about the Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grant:

Supports the rehabilitation of historic properties in rural Iowa.

10/06/2026

Five businesses. Five big ideas. $75,000 to help bring them to life. 🎉
Congratulations to the 2026 Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business grant recipients!

🥇 Clarence — Demeter’s Market: $25,000
🏡 Elkader — Styled Abode: $15,000
💜 Marion — The Purple Wagon: $15,000
🌸 Fort Dodge — Bloomers On Central Coffee Shoppe: $10,000
🔥 Newton — Fuego Hot Glass: $10,000

Each finalist took the stage last night in Osceola to pitch their plans for growing their business and investing in their downtown. From expanding production and adding new equipment to creating even more reasons for people to shop, visit and spend time in Iowa’s Main Street communities, these entrepreneurs are putting big ideas to work.

“When a business grows, the impact reaches far beyond its front door. That’s what I love about Main Street.” — IEDA | IFA Director Debi Durham

Now in its 12th year, Open 4 Business has supported more than 50 Iowa businesses — and we can’t wait to see what this year’s winners do next.

Congratulations to all five! 👏

Iowa Downtown Resource Center

Learn more! https://opportunityiowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-05/5-main-street-iowa-businesses-win-75000-state-grants

10/05/2026

Iowans from across the state celebrated their partnership with Kosovo by attending the Kosovo-Iowa Partnership Conference, and a recognition ceremony for Mr. Drilon Zogaj, the outgoing Chief of Mission of the Kosovo Consulate.

The conference strengthened the existing partnerships between Kosovo and Iowa, highlighting ongoing efforts involving Iowa communities, education, youth programs, public safety, economic development, cultural and athletic exchanges. There is certainly a place for all Iowans to enjoy the Kosovo-Iowa partnership! The Orr Group generously hosted this conference for Iowans, as well as the farewell.

Mr. Drilon Zogaj successfully concluded his two-year assignment at the Chief of Mission of Iowa’s only foreign diplomatic office, the Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo. During his tenure he was a strategic collaborator, particularly with the Iowa National Guard and Iowa’s Partner State Program. Iowa is thankful for his contributions to Kosovo-Iowa relations, and wish his the best as he embarks on his next chapter! What a great sendoff!

Learn more about Iowa’s connection to Kosovo: https://opportunityiowa.gov/business/international-trade/partner-state-program

Iowa National Guard
Drilon Zogaj
Konsullata e Republikës së Kosovës në Iowa

10/05/2026

It was a fiesta!

Iowa has shared a special partnership with the state of Yucatan, Mexico, since 1965!

This month Iowans gathered to celebrate an accomplished 60 years—paved in friendship, cultural exchange, and connection. The celebration was graced with Yucatecan dance group Alma Danza, music performances, and a historical overview of the partnership!

The Iowa-Yucatan partnership originated with the federal Partners of the Americas program and quickly blossomed in popularity across the state, gaining support from Iowa’s governors. The Iowa Partners of the Americans chapter hosted a celebration with endorsement from the Iowa Partner State Program. Thank you to all who have enriched this partnership, and congratulations!

All are welcome to participate in this partnership. Learn more history at https://opportunityiowa.gov/business/international-trade/partner-state-program and follow events on the Iowa-Yucatan Partners page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080726260009

Iowa-Yucatán Partners

09/30/2026

Iowa and Taiwan are celebrating 27 years of partnership!

The two entered a friendship in 1989 that has blossomed into collaboration across government, business, and culture.

Iowa invests in our partnership with Taiwan through the Partner State Program, offering a network for Iowans interested in the partnership, and the opportunity to plan and promote events. A recent highlight of this partnership was the Formosa Melody Music Center performance that graced the CelebrAsian stage! The Partner State Program hosted the performance in collaboration with the Overseas Community Affairs Council and Iowa Asian Alliance that was enjoyed by hundreds. We thank everyone who continues to support and enjoy the Iowa-Taiwan partnership!

Taiwan in Chicago
Iowa Asian Alliance
僑務委員會 OCAC
當代樂坊 Formosa Melody Music Center

Learn more and get involved here: https://opportunityiowa.gov/business/international-trade/partner-state-program

09/23/2026

Your after-work plans look a little better in Iowa. 🍂

09/18/2026

OOO status: fall fun. 🍂

09/17/2026

Farm Progress Show 2026 is in the books! 🌱

From cutting-edge technology to conversations with industry leaders and international visitors, the IEDA team spent the week showcasing what makes Iowa a global leader in agriculture and innovation.

The connections made here reach far beyond the show — strengthening global partnerships, opening doors for Iowa businesses and creating new opportunities to grow Iowa’s economy.

Until next time, Farm Progress Show!