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.
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.
We ENGAGE with people!
Understanding your journey and destination through conversations, interaction and collaboration.
Our Solutions
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, 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.
LTM | Impact 2.0
Raising the bar on high-impact education and networking for foundries and their supply chain
All-Day Seminar 4: July 16, 2025
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee, WI
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!
Advisors’ Edge Seminars
Discover the free Advisors’ Edge training program for CPAs, financial planners, and attorneys, created in collaboration with Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) and Project Equity. Gain the tools and insights to guide clients through the transition to employee ownership.
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