Startup Factory Network Announces Second Cohort in Rural ‘Node’ Program

CONTACT: ALISON DOYLE, Director of Marketing 515.296.4204 • adoyle@iastate.edu

Friday, June 15, 2018: The Iowa State University Startup Factory Network today announced the second cohort in their experimental regional “node” program, which is being piloted in the northern portion of the state in partnership with regional Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). The program’s goal is to feed the state economy via the creation of profitable new business. The program is funded in part by a $200,000 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and is administered by both America’s SBDC and the Iowa State based Startup Factory.

Companies in the node program participate in the same 52-week accelerator curriculum as the Iowa State Research Park based Startup Factory, but do so remotely, with assistance coming from regional SBDC counselors. Those admitted to the program apply via a formal application process and with the recommendation of a local SBDC counselor. Those selected attend weekly remote classes and gain access to the Iowa State Startup Factory administrative, teaching and mentor teams, while also attending several in person training sessions held at the Iowa State University Research Park.

Startup Factory Network Cohort Two Teams include: (Mason City) iPet, founded by Mark Drier, is an environmentally conscious company that provides 3D printed pet walking and pet cleaning devices.

(Carroll) Integrated Behavioral Health Services, founded by Sue Gehling, is a nurse-practitioner owned medical practice that provides gap-filling psychiatric care to underserved areas in rural Iowa.

(Charles City) Ezmanufacturing, founded by Bruce and Connie Goddard, has created an innovative bale storm processor.

(Sheffield) EZ2Show, founded by Jill Ihrke and Troy Ihrke, is integrating with today’s technology a showing system from entry to final reporting.

(Rockford) Tracy Ingham and Torin Ingham are developing a pickup box that converts from a full factory box to a flatbed.

(Mason City) Innovative Lockdown Education, founded by Ingri Tutu, is a curriculum-based lockdown safety program, beginning at the elementary level that empowers both staff and students to take action during a crisis.

(Gilbert) Twisted Brands Inc., founded by Kelly Skepper, Randy Pappas, and Les Boernke, is an established seasoning and spice company hoping to sell to big box stores.

(Mason City) TAG Tech, founded by Tim Gibbons and Raul Carolus is a company whose desire is to simplify delivery of customized sports and physical training through their first product Palaestra Platform.

“We are really thrilled with the support from our regional offices to locate and encourage these early stage entrepreneurs. The experience they stand to gain by participating in the Startup Factory curriculum is not only good for their development; it is also great for the communities where they choose to build their companies. This program is really at the heart of our statewide economic development mission; to assist Iowans in the creation of successful businesses throughout the entire state,” said Lisa Shimkat Director of the America’s Small Business Development Centers.

Ten teams participated in SUF Node Cohort One, those companies will now move to the second half of their 52-week program, which is a customized approach outside of the classroom that is designed in cooperation with the Startup Factory teaching and mentoring team. The Startup Factory Network will introduce their latest teams at a kickoff, reception and networking event on Thursday, June 21 in a reception from 4-6 pm at the Iowa State Economic Development Core Facility (remarks: 5 pm). The event is free and open to the public.

About Startup Factory

The Iowa State University (ISU) Startup Factory is a 52-week intensive program housed at the ISU Research Park (ISURP). Entrepreneurs in the Startup Factory receive formal training, resources, and access to a network of business mentors, advisors, counselors, and investors in two 26-week blocks: the first a formal curriculum centered on business validation, and the second, customized to their individual business needs. For more information on the ISU Startup Factory program or press inquiries, contact Alison Doyle at 515-296-4204, adoyle@iastate.edu or visit isustartupfactory.org

About Americas Small Business Development Center America’s SBDC Iowa is an outreach program of Iowa State University’s College of Business and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515‐294 -7612, Hotline: 515-294-1222, email eooffice@iastate.edu. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, America’s SBDC Iowa has 15 regional assistance centers located strategically across the state. Since program inception in 1981, the SBDC has helped Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs through no fee, confidential, customized, professional business counseling and practical, affordable training workshops. For more information on America’s SBDC Iowa programs or services, call (515) 294.2030 or visit www.iowasbdc.org, https://www.facebook.com/AmericasSBDCIowa, or https://twitter.com/IowaSBDC. Press Contacts: Tricia Janes, America’s SBDC Iowa, 515‐294‐2030, triciaj@iastate.edu

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