NewBoCo

09/01/2026

Tomorrow at 1MCCR: Adult CoderDojo! ☕🛠️

We’re turning the tables on our K-12 STEM programs — now adults get to play, code, and build! 🤖 Join us at NewBoCo for hands-on activities, networking, and coffee.

Schedule:

☕ 8:30 - 9:00 AM: Coffee & Networking

💡 9:00 - 9:40 AM: Introductions, Education Team Updates & Hands-On Stations

🗣️ 9:40 - 10:00 AM: Q&A, Community Announcements & Volunteer Info

📍 Location: 460 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids

👉 Grab a friend and come explore!

08/28/2026

Huge congratulations to our Executive Director, Jill Wilkins! 🥳

Jill was recently selected to participate in the 2026-2027 Leadership Iowa program, hosted by the ABI Foundation. Out of leaders from all across the state, she was chosen to be part of this year’s 40-member class.

Starting this October in Oskaloosa, Jill will spend the next year traveling to communities across Iowa, connecting with experts, and exploring key issues facing our state — including education, healthcare, and economic development.

We are so proud to have Jill representing our team in this prestigious statewide cohort! ✨

08/27/2026

We were lucky to celebrate on August 19th in the heart of aviation country! ✈️

Our team joined forces with partners from across Eastern Iowa — including Eastern Iowa Airport • CID, Coe College, ISA Ventures, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, and Greater Iowa City, Inc. — for a learning trip to Wichita.

We explored top-tier innovation hubs like Wichita State’s NIAR, GoCreate, and WSU Tech’s NCAT to see how leading aerospace clusters build, innovate, and train for the future. We're excited to apply these valuable insights back home! ⚡

08/25/2026

Thinking about taking your business to the next level? Don't let the clock run out on this opportunity! ⏰

Applications for the Fall Iowa Startup Accelerator are closing soon. Gain access to expert mentorship, valuable resources, and the network you need to scale your venture. ⚡

🗓 Deadline to Apply: Friday, August 28

🔗 Application/More Info: https://newbo.co/entrepreneurship/iowa-startup-accelerator/

08/11/2026

Meet Dominek & Quinton, the husband-and-wife duo behind Qddogs — a family-owned mobile food business bringing hot dogs, Polish sausages, burgers, chips, and drinks to local spots across Waterloo! 🌭 (Fun fact: the name Qddogs comes from combining Quinton and Dominek 🙂)

What started as a simple dream has grown into a mission centered on quality food, friendly service, and affordable meals — all while showing their kids that hard work and dedication pay off. 🍽️

Be a part of their growth and support journeys like theirs today: https://newbo.co/kiva/

08/11/2026

📣DID YOU HEAR? Applications for the Iowa Startup Accelerator Fall Cohort are OPEN! 💥

If you've got a big idea or a growing business, this is your sign to scale up. 📈 Get mentorship, resources, and the support you need to turn your vision into reality. ⚡

🔗 Application link: https://newbo.co/entrepreneurship/iowa-startup-accelerator/

⏰ Deadline to apply: August 28

07/29/2026

Her recipe for life? "Set the goal. Then, run as fast as you can to catch it!" 🏃‍♀️

Meet Jadell Boyd, the powerhouse single mom of two behind Tu Wayy Catering! If you’ve been to UNI’s Dome, the McLeod Center, local farmer's markets, or community festivals around Cedar Falls, chances are you’ve already tasted her amazing comfort classics with a modern twist. 🍲✨

For Jadell, food has always been about love and connection. But her purpose runs even deeper: through her work with the Hail Mary Project, she’s dedicated to lifting up at-risk youth. Now, she’s bringing that mission full circle by hiring and mentoring those same young people — giving them the tools and confidence to chase their own dreams.

Next up on her menu? Opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant! Behind her in this photo (with her son & star employee! 📸👇) is the future home of a space meant to bring jobs, mentorship, and vibrant community back to life — one plate at a time. 🍽️

💡 0% interest, zero-fee microloans like Kiva make these types of community-changing dreams possible. 👉 Support local entrepreneurs like Jadell today: https://newbo.co/kiva/

07/24/2026

07/15/2026

We are so excited to introduce Kat, the brilliant mind behind Familiar Cat Café — opening this month in Marion, IA! 🐱☕

If you’ve spent time at the NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids, you might already recognize Kat from their days as a popular pop-up vendor. Now, they’re bringing something truly magical and permanent to our area. ✨

Familiar is more than just great coffee and cozy cats (though there’s plenty of both!). Kat has envisioned a welcoming space where healing, intention, and adoption come together.

What makes Familiar so special?

🐾 Adoption Partnerships: Through a partnership with Funky Paws Animal Rescue of Buchanan County, they are actively supporting cat adoptions and helping reduce shelter overcrowding.

🎨 Local Love: You can browse and shop works from local artists and makers sold on consignment, making every visit a way to give back to the community.