Join Senator Joni Ernst for an event for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Ames, Iowa!
On June 30th, Senator Joni Ernst, Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, is hosting her fourth Entrepreneur Expo.
Senator Ernst is bringing opportunities to the Heartland. The Entrepreneur Expo is an excellent opportunity for Iowa’s small businesses to learn about federal and state government contracting opportunities and federal innovation programs that support the nation’s defense industrial base. Attendees can learn how to sell their goods and services to the federal government; engage with federal innovation-focused programs, such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs; and explore ways their innovations can strengthen America’s defense capabilities.
This event will offer networking opportunities with government agencies, prime contractors, lenders, and federal and state resources.
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 held from 8:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at Iowa State University's Scheman Building (1805 Center Drive, Ames, IA 50011).
- When is the deadline for registration? We request you register by June 1, 2026.
- Where can I find more information about the event, i.e., agenda, speaker, topics? All information can be found on this website. Speaker bios and agenda will be posted soon.
- Who should attend this event? This event is suitable for small businesses interested in working with the federal, state, or local government; connecting with large contractors; learning about manufacturing and innovation programs; and speaking to lenders and investors. No previous experience with these entities is necessary to attend.
- What is the dress code for this event? We encourage attendees to dress in comfortable, business-casual attire.
The following federal agencies, state and local resources, and private entities will be in attendance:
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Federal Agencies
- Ames National Laboratory
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Office of Small Business Programs
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U.S. Air Force
- AFWERX
- Office of Small Business Programs
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U.S. Army
- Office of Army Prize Competitions and Army SBIR
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Office of Small Business Programs
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Omaha District
- U.S. Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture
- U.S. Department of Energy - SBIR/STTR Programs Office
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U.S. Department of War
- Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT)
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
- DIU OnRamp Hub: Minnesota
- Office for Small Business Innovation
- U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) - Region 6, Heartland
- U.S. Navy - Office of Small Business Programs
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U.S. Small Business Administration
- Office of Investment and Innovation
- Iowa District Office
- U.S. Special Operations Command - SBIR/STTR Program
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State and Local Resources
- America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - Iowa
- Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA)
- Iowa Department of Transportation
- Iowa Economic Development Authority
- Iowa National Guard
- Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Services (CIRAS) APEX Accelerator
- SCORE Iowa
- Veterans Business Outreach Center
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Private Industry
- Black Hawk Economic Development
- Collins Aerospace
- Community Bankers of Iowa
- Iowa Bankers Association
- Iowa Business Growth
- InnoVenture Iowa
- Pivotal Business Partners
- Siouxland Economic Development Corporation
For further inquiries, contact us at expo@sbc.senate.gov