Entrefest Is Back: Cedar Rapids Set to Ignite Entrepreneurial Spirit This June

Cedar Rapids, IA – The highly anticipated Entrefest is making a powerful return this June, bringing together innovators, startups, and business leaders for a day of networking, inspiration, and actionable insights. Organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), this year’s event promises fresh energy and opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state.

Why Entrefest Matters

Since its inception, Entrefest has been a cornerstone for Iowa’s entrepreneurial community. The festival provides:

• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors
• Educational workshops on scaling businesses and securing funding
• Pitch competitions with real investment potential
• Keynote speeches from trailblazing entrepreneurs

What’s New in 2024?

This year’s event aims to be bigger and bolder, with:

1. Expanded Venue: More space for interactive exhibits and breakout sessions.
2. Diverse Speaker Lineup: Featuring voices from underrepresented sectors.
3. Focus on Tech & Sustainability: Panels dedicated to green innovation and AI-driven business models.

Who Should Attend?

Entrefest isn’t just for startup founders—it’s for anyone with a drive to innovate, including:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Small business owners
• Corporate innovators
• Students and educators

"Entrefest is where ideas meet execution," says a past attendee. "The connections I made here directly impacted my business’s growth."

How to Get Involved

Tickets are available now, with early-bird pricing for a limited time. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also open for those looking to contribute to Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What Do You Think?

• Is Entrefest doing enough to support minority-owned startups?
• Should pitch competitions offer larger cash prizes to attract top talent?
• Can events like Entrefest truly bridge the gap between rural and urban entrepreneurs?
• Does Iowa’s business landscape need more disruptive innovation, or is steady growth better?