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Join Senator Joni Ernst for a free, public event for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ames, Iowa!

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On September 22nd, Senator Joni Ernst, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship,

is bringing Washington, D.C. to the heartland. Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo is the best opportunity of the year for Iowa’s small businesses to learn about federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities, and federal innovation programs. The goal of this event is to introduce Iowa’s small businesses to the federal marketplace, providing an opportunity to learn how to sell their goods and services to the federal government and engage with federal innovation-focused programs, such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
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This free event will feature multiple information sessions with government agencies, procurement experts, and successful small businesses.

Whether you are a business owner with an early-stage venture or an experienced entrepreneur, the Expo will provide valuable insights and connections to accelerate the growth of your enterprise. 

  • Where is the event being held? The Expo will be from 8 am - 3 pm CDT at Iowa State University's Scheman Building (1805 Center Drive, Ames, IA 50011). There will be free parking at the Scheman Building with no permit required. 
  • How much does it cost to register for the event? This event is free to the public.
  • When is the deadline for registration? You may register at any time, up until the day of the live event. A registration table will be available at the conference event for attendees who did not register online, although we strongly encourage interested attendees to register in advance.
  • Where can I find more information about the event, i.e., agenda, speaker, topics? All information can be found on this website. Breakout session topics, speaker bios, and agenda will be posted soon.
  • Who should attend this event? This event is open to the public and suitable for small businesses interested in working with the federal, state, or local government. No experience with government contracts is necessary.
  • What is the dress code for this event? We encourage attendees to dress in comfortable, business-casual attire.