Des Moines Business Record

Welcome to the Business Record’s Innovation Update, a new feature where we check in on the work in central Iowa supporting the startup and small business environment. I’m Kate Hayden, technology, innovation & entrepreneurship reporter for the Business Record. This week I speak with Mike Colwell, executive director of entrepreneurial initiatives at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, about transitioning the Raising Capital Seminar Series to meet entrepreneurs where they are -- virtually. Hosted twice a year by the Partnership, LWBJ and BrownWinick Law, this fall’s session runs from Oct. 7-Oct. 28. Check in to hear Mike and I talk about fundraising during a pandemic, and what business mentors can do to support entrepreneurs during this time.

What is gene editing? How does it work, is it used commercially yet and what are stakeholders in the agriculture industry and consumer groups watching for as the editing tools develop? We sat down with Dr. Carmen Bain of Iowa State University and Cory Christiansen at Corteva Agriscience to better understand this suite of genome editing tools in this special podcast for the 2020 innovationIOWA Magazine. Look for our partner story in the magazine, out May 21, or online at www.innovationia.com.

Business Record Publisher & Executive Editor Chris Conetzkey and Innovation Reporter Kate Hayden discuss the business of craft beer in Iowa. Panelists include: Jeff "Bruno" Bruning - partner, Full Court Press Mackenzie Nading - executive director, Iowa Wholesale Beer Distributors Association J. Wilson - minister of Iowa beer, Iowa Brewers Guild John Martin - co-founder and head brewer, Confluence Brewing Company R.J. Tursi - founder and CEO, Exile Brewing Company