ADVANCE IOWA
Business Solutions.
ADVANCE IOWA strengthens Iowa’s business ecosystem—one plan, transition, and partnership at a time. Today’s challenges demand clarity, direction, and trusted expertise. We help leaders not just respond to change, but shape it with confidence.
Our Team can help:
- Build clarity for leaders making critical decisions
- Support resilient growth, succession readiness, and strategic reinvention
- Strengthen local economies and workforce stability across Iowa
- Position businesses to proactively lead change
With growth and transition as our two core business solution pathways, ADVANCE IOWA equips business owners, teams, and communities with the strategic guidance, education, and transition support they need to grow, adapt, and lead with confidence — and together, we are #BuildingABetterIowa.
If you’re ready to move forward with intention and stay ahead of What’s Next, start by connecting with the SUITE 128 Business Newsletter and staying plugged into the insights that matter.
WHO WE ARE
ADVANCE IOWA is a strategic ally for Iowa businesses navigating change—from ownership transitions to market growth which is backed by University of Northern Iowa's Business & Community Services (BCS) and the Wilson College of Business (WCB). We integrate business growth and transition guidance. with dynamic learning opportunities—peer groups, webinars, and more—and targeted outreach programs. Together, these strategic tools create lasting impact across both pathways. A collaborative, values‑driven team supporting Iowa’s businesses at every stage
- Experienced guides in strategy, education, and transition planning
- Committed to empowering business owners, teams, and communities
- Embedded in Iowa’s economic development landscape through UNI and partner network
WHAT WE DO
Schedule Your Consultation at No Cost
ADVANCE IOWA delivers tailored solutions—many at no cost—that meet businesses exactly where they are, helping leaders take the next right step. Our approach integrates educational programs, strategic consultation, and practical, real‑world tools that strengthen clarity, readiness, and long‑term success. We:
- Offer solutions—many free of charge—to support businesses at any stage
- Deliver education, assessments or tools, and strategic consultations
- Help organizations plan for growth, navigate transitions, and unlock long‑term value
- Facilitate connections, learning networks, and access to practical tools
ADVANCE IOWA equips business leaders with strategy, education, and transition support to grow, adapt, and lead confidently. With over a decade of impact across Iowa and beyond, we build tailored solutions that unlock long-term value and strengthen community resilience. Check out the numbers and how we create change...
SOLUTIONS that scale
Business GROWTH
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, provides 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.
HOW WE ENGAGE
We prioritize trust, transparency, and collaboration—laying the foundation for long-term relationships built on shared success.
LTM | Impact 2.0
Additive Manufacturing for Metal Casting
March 11, 2026
Seminar No. 6 is an all-day seminar at no charge that is raising the bar on high-impact education and networking for foundries and their supply chain!
Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings
10627 Old River School Rd., Downey, CA 90241
In-person & Virtual attendance
TEDx Talks Feature
Under the theme Creating Tomorrow, experience Leslie K. Wilson’s inspiring TEDx talk on the transformative power of employee ownership—an idea reshaping workplaces, strengthening communities, and keeping businesses rooted where they matter most. As dean of UNI’s Wilson College of Business, which encompasses five academic departments and the far‑reaching UNI Business and Community Services, she points out that models promoted by the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO), part of ADVANCE IOWA, are helping Iowans understand how to build wealth and preserve local businesses through employee ownership.
Be sure to watch the full talk on YouTube, then follow & share to help grow the movement.
Save the Date!
October 1, 2026
FFA Enrichment Center
DMACC Campus
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy
Ankeny, IA 50023
Five Big Ideas for Employee Ownership
“Universities have the unique ability to influence the advancement of employee ownership through research, outreach and CURRICULUM.” stated Dr. Leslie K. Wilson, Dean of the Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). She was the last leader of five to present "Five Big Ideas for Employee Ownership" at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum in April.
Our team is proud to see Iowa leadership shaping the future of business education and employee ownership on a national stage!
Never miss a thing!
Let's talk.
8120 Jennings Drive | Cedar Falls, IA 50614
319-273-4692 | info@advanceiowa.com LinkedIn
Todd.Hutcheson@uni.edu LinkedIn
Janell.Crow@uni.edu
CONNECT WITH US!
