ADVANCE IOWA
ADVANCE IOWA successfully serves businesses within Iowa and on a national level under the Business and Community Services (BCS) umbrella at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Our journey began over a decade ago, rooted in the belief that shared knowledge and resources empower impactful decision-making. We recognized that clear objectives and the right tools are essential for providing direction and momentum toward success. These foundational principles continue to shape our business solutions and outreach programs, fostering growth and facilitating seamless transitions.
Our dedicated team is committed to inspiring, educating, and guiding clients as they pursue their goals, ensuring the sustainability of their businesses and communal growth for future generations.
![Advance Iowa MILESTONES in numbers](/sites/default/files/inline-images/ADVANCE%20IOWA%20Stats%2BNumbers%202025s_Stats%20%26%20Numbers%20copy%202_1.jpg)
![Business Solutions @ UNI ADVANCE IOWA](/sites/default/files/inline-images/AIOWA_BSolutions.jpg)
WHO we are
- A dedicated team providing expert guidance and resources.
- Committed to supporting business growth and transitions.
- Focused on empowering business owners, employees, and communities.
- Support regional economic and business development.
WHAT we do
- Offer a range of solutions and programs, many at no cost.
- Provide education, consultations, and assessments.
- Help businesses explore, plan, and succeed at their own pace.
- Facilitate networking and other tools for success.
Our Solutions
Business GROWTH
![GROWTH Solutions](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Growth%20Solution_0.jpg)
In collaboration with the UNI Center for Business Growth & Innovation, we assist businesses in identifying challenges and utilize strategic opportunities for technology integration, diversification, and sustainable practices that drive long-term business value.
Business TRANSITION
To navigate transitional challenges that businesses often face, ADVANCE IOWA, together with the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership, provide the support, resources, and assistance necessary to safeguard the continuation of a business.
Building TOGETHER!
Discover how ADVANCE IOWA, as one of the 12 unique outreach programs under the Business and Community Services (BCS) umbrella, is and has been #Building a Better IOWA.
A great way to hear about the impacts we make for businesses, local economies and the people across the state, is to listen to the various Building a Better Iowa Podcasts.
The podcasts illuminate importance of our entire network and outreach partners, in addition to our solutions and programs.
![Conference: Iowa Rural Summit 2025](/sites/default/files/inline-uploads/IOWA-Rural-Summit.jpg)
The Iowa Rural Summit 2025
Connect, collaborate, & energize your community with ideas and solutions to drive rural success.
Summit begins April 10 at 8am
Summit ends April 11 at 12pm CDT
at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center
2100 Green Hills Dr, Ames, IA 50014
![Vulcan Park & Museum](/sites/default/files/inline-uploads/2024%20LTM%20BirminghamSession22.jpg)
LTM: Seminar 02
The Last Tactical Mile [LTM] | Impact 2.0
High–impact education & networking for foundries and their supply chain partners.
February 18, 2025
8:15 am (Check–in)
All–day learning event, free of charge.
Vulcan Park & Museum
Address: 1701 Valley View Drive
in the ELECTRA Room
Birmingham, AL 35209
![IA-CEO: 3rd annual Employee Ownership Conference in Ankeny, Iowa](/sites/default/files/inline-uploads/IA-CEO%202025%20Conference%20Save-the-Date-01.jpg)
Save the Date!
Thursday, Oct 23, 2025
8:00am — 4:30pm
FFA Enrichment Center
DMACC Campus
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy
Ankeny, IA 50023
Let's talk.
8120 Jennings Drive | Cedar Falls, IA 50614
319-273-4692 | info@advanceiowa.com
Todd.Hutcheson@uni.edu
Janell.Crow@uni.edu