Applications Open for NewBoCo’s Iowa Startup Accelerator

Iowa entrepreneurs ready to grow their businesses are encouraged to apply for NewBoCo’s Fall 2026 Iowa Startup Accelerator. Applications are open through Friday, August 28, and the cohort is limited to a small group of qualified businesses.

The seven-week evening program helps founders strengthen their branding, marketing, prospecting, sales, and revenue-growth strategies. Participants will receive practical instruction, coaching, pitch feedback, website consultation, networking opportunities, and access to additional entrepreneurial resources.

Topics include branding, website design and search engine optimization, artificial intelligence for customer and market development, strategic marketing, social media, sales strategies, financial management, venture capital, exit planning, and pitch development.

The program begins with an in-person orientation and branding session on October 2 in Cedar Rapids. Five virtual sessions will follow on Thursday evenings from 5:30–9:00 p.m. The accelerator concludes with an in-person Demo Day and celebration on November 13, where participants will pitch their businesses.

Applicants must operate an Iowa-based business that is no more than five years old. Businesses should be generating revenue or have a functional prototype available for pre-sales. Founders must also have completed Venture School or be able to demonstrate similar customer-discovery experience and clear product-market fit.

The program costs $650 per business. Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted during the week of September 11, with final cohort members notified by September 18.

Learn more about the Iowa Startup Accelerator:
https://newbo.co/entrepreneurship/iowa-startup-accelerator/

Apply by August 28:
https://newbo.co/entrepreneurship/iowa-startup-accelerator/apply/