Iowa Startup Accelerator returns this fall: in-person orientation and Demo Day set to boost startups

The Iowa Startup Accelerator is back in September 2025, offering a seven-week intensive program focused on branding, marketing, and sales to help Iowa startups scale. With applications open until August 15, participants will benefit from hands-on mentorship, culminating in a Demo Day to pitch to investors and accelerate revenue growth.

Sources:
thegazette.com
Updated 53m ago
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Sources: thegazette.com
The Iowa Startup Accelerator is set to return this fall after a two-year hiatus, aiming to empower Iowa-based startups with enhanced branding, marketing, and sales strategies.

The seven-week program begins in September 2025, with applications open through August 15. It targets founders who have completed customer discovery and established product/market fit, either through demonstrated sales or viable prototypes ready for Letters of Intent or Memorandums of Understanding.

"We're excited to relaunch the Iowa Startup Accelerator after a two-year absence," said Alex Taylor, Director of Entrepreneurship for NewBoCo. "Once customer discovery is complete, and product/market fit is established, this program is designed to help founders exponentially grow their revenues and build their sales strategies for long-term success."

The program is structured to accommodate busy founders, featuring an in-person orientation in Cedar Rapids on September 26, followed by five weekly virtual sessions on Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. It culminates with an in-person Demo Day on November 7, where participants will pitch to entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential investors.

This relaunch reflects a renewed commitment to fostering startup growth in Iowa by providing critical resources and networking opportunities to promising companies.

Key Dates and Details:
- Application deadline: August 15, 2025
- Program start: September 2025
- Orientation: September 26, 2025, Cedar Rapids
- Weekly virtual sessions: Thursdays, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
- Demo Day: November 7, 2025

The accelerator’s focus on sales and marketing aims to help startups transition from early validation to scalable business models, supporting Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sources: thegazette.com
The Iowa Startup Accelerator returns this fall with in-person orientation on September 26 and Demo Day on November 7, aiming to boost Iowa startups' branding, marketing, and sales. The seven-week program begins in September, with applications open through August 15 for founders with proven product/market fit.
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Key Facts
  • The Iowa Startup Accelerator is officially returning this fall with a renewed focus on helping Iowa-based startups sharpen their branding, marketing, and sales strategies.thegazette.com
  • Applications for the seven-week program that begins in September will be accepted through August 15, 2025.thegazette.com
  • Alex Taylor, Director of Entrepreneurship for NewBoCo, said the program is designed to help founders exponentially grow their revenues and build their sales strategies for long-term success after completing customer discovery and establishing product/market fit.thegazette.com
  • The program targets startups that have completed customer discovery, established product/market fit, and have either demonstrated sales or viable prototypes ready to secure Letters of Intent or Memorandums of Understanding for future sales.thegazette.com
  • The accelerator will include an in-person orientation in Cedar Rapids on September 26, 2025 and conclude with a Demo Day on November 7, 2025 where participants will pitch to entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential investors.thegazette.com
"We're excited to relaunch the Iowa Startup Accelerator after a two-year absence," said Alex Taylor, Director of Entrepreneurship for NewBoCo. "Once customer discovery is complete, and product/market fit is established, this program is designed to help founders exponentially grow their revenues and build their sales strategies for long-term success."
thegazette.com
thegazette.com
Key Stats at a Glance
Weekly Virtual Session Time
5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
thegazette.com
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