EntreFEST

“Every day I can see growth taking place,” says Boluwarin Ojo — and we believe it! She took home 2nd place AND People’s Choice at the EntreFEST Pitch Competition ✨ Now that’s what we call making sparks. Read about her entrepreneurship journey here: https://lnkd.in/g5iNzabX

What stood out most about EntreFEST? The authenticity of the community. This wasn’t just an event about buzzwords and pitch decks, it was about real people building real businesses from the ground up. Here are a few highlights from our time in Cedar Rapids: - Erica Cole, founder of No Limbits, gave an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at growing her business, from hand-customizing imperfect pallets of jeans to pitching on Shark Tank ABC and landing major customers like Walmart. - Breakout sessions on everything from resources for Iowa founders and UX/UI design to leadership and more, each one filled with practical, actionable insight. - Dinner with the Iowa Venture Capital Association, where we connected with funds investing in Iowa’s future. Big thanks to Liz Keehner for hosting! -Reconnecting with founders and meeting new ecosystem supporters building exciting companies across the Midwest. - The Hy-Vee Pitch Competition, a standing-room-only finale featuring five impressive local entrepreneurs! Huge shoutout to Alex Taylor and the entire team at The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo) for putting together such a meaningful event. We’re already looking forward to EntreFEST 2026!

EntreFEST Day Two Highlights! 🚀 We kicked off the day with inspiring words from Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Erica Cole, Founder/CEO of No Limbits. 💬✨ From powerful breakout sessions to surprise moments and fun throughout the NewBo District — Day Two was one to remember!

🎤 Pitch Competition Winners Announcement! 🎉 Please put your hands together for our amazing winners: 🥇 1st Place: Black Earth Gardens 🥈 2nd Place: No-Sparc 🥉 3rd Place: Tumbleweed 🏆 People’s Choice: No-Sparc We’re so proud of every entrepreneur who took the stage — your passion and innovation lit up the room! 💡🔥 A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor Hy-Vee, Inc. and to our incredible panel of judges: 🙌 Erica Cole (No Limbits) 🙌 Lyndsae’ Peele (Kiva US Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Manager) 🙌 Andy Stiet (Regional VP, Hy-Vee) 🙌 Gary Watts (CEO, Watts Group) We’re grateful for your time, insights, and support of this entrepreneurial community. The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo) #Wattsgroup NOLIMBITS Lyndsae' Peele, MBA, Realtor, PMEC™ Erica Cole

Keynote speaker Taufeek Shah shared his incredible journey and brought the heat with a few spicy moments during EntreFEST’s very own hot sauce challenge. The #EntreFEST energy is officially turned all the way up! 🌶🔥

The Surprise & Delights are *truly* living up to their name! Huge thanks to Andre from Wright House of Fashion and Jay's Shaved Italian Ice for keeping the good vibes (and treats) coming!

Lyndsae' Peele had us feeling inspired and energized this morning! She absolutely rocked the stage with her powerful talk. Thank you, Lyndsae', for setting the tone and kicking off EntreFEST in the best way! #EntreFEST #Kiva #KivaIowa

We’re still buzzing from this morning’s energy ⚡ Lyndsae’ killed it on stage! 🙌 Who’s ready to keep the momentum going? It’s a FULL day of #EntreFEST — 1, 2, 3… let’s gooo, Cedar Rapids! 💜💥 #EntreFEST2025 #CedarRapids #EntreFEST