Why Supporting Local News Is as Essential as Shopping Local
Local journalism is the cornerstone of informed, connected, and thriving communities. Publications like The Gazette play a critical role in Eastern Iowa, ensuring that the stories shaping our region are told with care, accuracy, and depth. Supporting local news is as essential as shopping local—it’s an investment in the people, businesses, and values that define […]
Exploring Johnson County’s Key Industries Through Laborshed Insights
Johnson County, an encompassment of the Iowa City, IA Laborshed area, is a vibrant economic hub powered by industries such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, financial services, and warehouse & distribution. Leveraging the most recent Laborshed reports from 2024, compiled by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and Greater Iowa City, Inc., this blog uncovers the focal insights […]
Johnson County Underestimated Small Business Grants
Supporting Small Businesses in Johnson County The Johnson County Underestimated Small Business Grants program is here to help local businesses in Johnson County thrive. Offering grants between $3,500 and $20,000, this initiative supports businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those located in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs). Whether you need help covering operating […]
Advancing Childcare Solutions in Johnson County – The Work Continues
Greater Iowa City, Inc. remains dedicated to supporting local businesses and addressing critical community needs. Through the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024 across Johnson County, Greater IC gathered valuable insights into business successes, challenges, and opportunities. A key finding from these surveys revealed that childcare initiatives are a pressing […]
Greater Iowa City, Inc. Releases First Annual 2024 Data Digest
Greater Iowa City, Inc. is committed to using data in order to help guide our decision-making processes, initiatives, and investments. As a result of this commitment, our organization is excited to release our first annual Greater Iowa City, Inc. 2024 Data Digest. This in-depth data report provides insights and details regarding metrics for the greater […]
Launching Strategic Investment Districts: A New Approach to Place-Based Economic Development
We are excited to announce the launch of Strategic Investment Districts in our region, a major milestone in our effort to drive sustainable, community-centered growth. These districts represent the culmination of our focus on place-based economic development, a concept we explored with our Councils last year. By leveraging the unique character of each area, we […]