IEDA Awards $150,000 For 5 New Innovation Labs in Iowa

DUBUQUE, IA - The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is the most recent funder to support Creative Adventure Lab's innovation and entrepreneurship work in rural Iowa communities. On Friday, February 21, the IEDA Board approved a $150,000 grant through the Entrepreneurial Investment Awards program.

The funding will help Creative Adventure Lab develop 5 new Innovation Labs in Eastern Iowa and make an Innovation Lab licensing option available for rural communities across the state.

Innovation Labs are community hubs that deliver a proven mix of services to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Innovation Labs provide business incubator space, accelerator programming, entrepreneurial coaching, and innovation services for existing businesses.

An Innovation Lab license allows communities to launch and operate their own Innovation Lab. Licensees become part of a growing Innovation Lab network and receive the training and support necessary to deliver proven innovation & entrepreneurship programs. Plus, licensees receive a comprehensive set of preconfigured operating systems, live coaching, and ongoing administrative support.

"Innovation and entrepreneurship are key economic drivers for any community. We're fortunate to have a growing network of partners, like IEDA, that are helping us empower rural communities with these important tools," said Jordan DeGree, executive director at Creative Adventure Lab.

New labs are slated to open in Monticello, Cascade, and Dyersville over the next year. Creative Adventure Lab is currently exploring fit in several additional communities. Those interested in learning more about licensing an Innovation Lab can email hello@creativeadventurelab.org for more information.

Creative Adventure Lab is one of three organizations in Iowa who received funding through IEDA's Entrepreneurial Investment Awards Program.

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Creative Adventure Lab is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We foster creativity and innovation to generate value for the communities we serve.

Creative Adventure Lab was founded in Dubuque, IA in 2008. The prototype Innovation Lab was launched in Dubuque in 2018.

CONTACT INFO
For more information on this project, or to learn more about launching an Innovation Lab in your community, please contact:

Jordan DeGree, Executive Director, Creative Adventure Lab - 563-607-5366 ext 101