Ernst Showcases Innovation in the Heartland at Third Annual Entrepreneur Expo

AMES, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, hosted her third annual Entrepreneur Expo with record attendance, over 50 expert exhibitors, representatives from state and federal agencies, Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin.

The event, kicked off by Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), gave Iowans an unprecedented opportunity to learn how to grow their business, join the “Made in America” resurgence happening under Republican leadership, and compete for government contracts.

Watch the expo here and download more photos from Ernst’s Expo here.

“My third annual Entrepreneur Expo was an incredible success,” said Ernst. “Iowa small businesses got the chance to network, learn from the best, and hear from Administrators Zeldin and Loeffler on their work to cut red tape and unleash Main Street. Innovation isn’t just happening on the coasts, it is thriving here in the heartland and it is important that Washington continues to make policies that harness this momentum and unleash growth across America.”

“It was exciting to see firsthand the talent and innovation coming out of Iowa at this year’s Entrepreneur Expo, and it was an honor to join Senator Ernst and Secretary Zeldin onstage,” said Loeffler. “Thanks to President Trump’s economic agenda, small business confidence is once again on the rise - and events like this offer Main Street businesses the tools, resources, and connections they need to grow, hire, and capitalize on America’s economic resurgence.”

“EPA is working around the clock to provide regulatory relief for hardworking Americans while ensuring we protect our environment,” said Zeldin. “Just wrapped a great visit in Iowa this week, from flipping pork chops at the State Fair, to speaking to small businesses owners, and touring local companies. One thing remains clear, Americans of all walks of life are benefiting from the Trump Administration’s success over the last seven months and we are just getting started. Grateful to Senator Ernst for the opportunity to attend her expo and for her leadership throughout the Hawkeye State!”

“It was great to be with Senator Ernst at her Entrepreneur Expo in Ames to discuss how President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ will grow our economy, support our small businesses, and strengthen domestic manufacturing. From making the small business deduction permanent to delivering additional relief from the death tax, this historic law will power economic growth, invest in our main streets, and create good jobs in our communities,” said Feenstra. “I’m also glad that SBA Administrator Loeffler and EPA Administrator Zeldin could make the trip to Iowa to see firsthand what our great state offers to our country and the world. I thank Senator Ernst for her leadership as Chairwoman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and look forward to continuing our work together to advocate for Iowa’s small businesses, manufacturers, and workers.”

Iowans who attended and speakers who presented at the event praised it as a tremendous success.

“Entrepreneurship drives Iowa’s growth, and it is evident Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo is a powerful catalyst for small business success. By connecting entrepreneurs with federal and state contracting opportunities, innovation programs, and manufacturing initiatives, it opens doors far beyond the heartland. When Iowa’s small businesses thrive, our communities and economy grow stronger,” said Andrew Van Fleet, Visual Logic Managing Partner.

“Participating in Senator Joni Ernst’s Small Business Expo was an important reminder that SBIR funding is critical for helping small companies advance promising technologies. For us at Prospect Growth, where we’re developing a new class of improved fertilizers, our EPA SBIR award was especially impactful. Agriculture holds enormous potential but often sees modest private investment despite its critical role in national and economic security. Opportunities like this can change the trajectory of an early-stage company, which is why it’s important they reach entrepreneurs across country, rather than just a few, and in doing so continue driving economic growth nationwide,” said Wyatt Arnold, Prospect Growth Co-founder.

"Our entrepreneurs and workers have the talent and tools to forge a new era of American power, but we need to bring their dynamism to the nation’s most pressing missions. I appreciated the opportunity to attend Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo, to meet the Iowans who are helping rebuild America, and to advocate bold reforms like the INNOVATE Act, which can muster commercial innovation on behalf of our military,” said Shyam Sankar, Palantir Chief Technology Officer.

“Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo is an important gathering for small businesses to meet with state and federal resource providers, including the U.S. Commercial Service. These businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and this Administration is prioritizing their growth and success in global markets. We appreciate the partnership with Senator Ernst and her team to help these businesses take advantage of growing market access around the globe,” said Bradley A. McKinney, U.S. Commercial Service Deputy Assistant Secretary.

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