Iowa Center for Economic Success: Helping small businesses succeed

Launch. Manage. Grow.

Those are the dreams shared by nearly every aspiring small business owner. But turning an idea into a thriving business can feel overwhelming—especially without the right guidance, capital or connections.

That’s where the Iowa Center for Economic Success comes in—and why the Dupaco Foundation is proud to support this work. Through the Dupaco Foundation Nonprofit Grant program, the Foundation awarded $5,000 grants in both 2024 and 2025 to the Iowa Center, helping expand access to resources that empower entrepreneurs across Iowa.

For more than 30 years, the Iowa Center has partnered with individuals ready to build something of their own, helping transform ideas into strong, sustainable businesses that fuel local economies and strengthen communities.

Why small businesses matter

Small business ownership is a powerful pathway to generate income, build wealth and create lasting local impact. But too often, entrepreneurs face challenges accessing the education, capital and professional networks needed to turn their vision into a viable business.

The Iowa Center exists to bridge that gap—meeting entrepreneurs where they are and walking alongside them at every stage of their journey. The goal isn’t just to help businesses open, but to help them last.

Tailored approach to entrepreneurs

The Iowa Center delivers three core services under one roof, providing a seamless, client-centered experience:

• Business coaching

• Credit and lending

• Tax services

This holistic approach helps entrepreneurs build knowledge, confidence and resilience—key ingredients for long-term success.

Strong businesses help communities

Successful small businesses do more than support individual owners. They create jobs, fill community needs and contribute to strong local economies.

“By supporting small business owners, we become a partner in meeting the needs of communities,” said Erin Strawn, president and CEO of the Iowa Center.

That partnership shows up in tangible ways: New jobs created, vital services brought to underserved areas and local dollars reinvested close to home.

A shared commitment to opportunity

The Dupaco Foundation’s support of the Iowa Center is rooted in a shared belief: Everyone deserves the opportunity to build financial stability and shape their own future.

By investing in organizations like the Iowa Center for Economic Success, the Foundation helps expand access to entrepreneurship, fuel innovation and strengthen economic opportunity across entire communities—especially for individuals who have historically faced barriers to starting and growing a business.

Impact across Iowa

In fiscal year 2025, the Iowa Center’s reach and results were felt statewide:

• 4,793 unique clients served across 92 of Iowa’s 99 counties

• 607 small businesses supported through business coaching

• 114 new businesses launched, creating 134 new jobs

• $1,364,580 originated across 34 loans

• 4,186 clients served through tax services

Local success stories

The Iowa Center’s impact is best understood through the entrepreneurs they serve. Here are two examples:

• Wags and Whiskers Veterinary Clinic, Oelwein, Iowa: Veterinarian Dr. Ann Eike saw a need for small animal care in rural northeast Iowa. With business coaching and a small business loan from the Iowa Center, she opened Wags and Whiskers Veterinary Clinic in fall 2024—bringing essential services to her community.

• DotŁ’Izhi, Iowa City, Iowa: Indigenous artist Alicia Velasquez founded DOTŁ’IZHI to create jewelry honoring Native American traditions while celebrating women’s strength and worth. Through coaching and classes at the Iowa Center, Alicia gained the tools needed to launch and grow her creative business.

Turning dreams into lasting success

With the right support, entrepreneurs can do more than dream—they can build businesses that change their lives and strengthen their communities.

With the Iowa Center in their corner—and partners like Dupaco Foundation invested in their success—small business owners across Iowa are proving what’s possible.

Learn more about the ways Dupaco Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in our communities here.