DES MOINES, IOWA (January 14, 2025) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index rose by 3.4 points in December to 105.1, the second consecutive month above the 51-year average of 98 and the highest reading since October 2018. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, seven increased, two decreased, and one was unchanged. The Uncertainty Index declined twelve points in December to 86.

DES MOINES, IOWA (January 9, 2025) — The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors recently approved nearly $10 million in grants to aid in housing development and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless.

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (January 9, 2025) — ServSafe Alcohol, a nationally-recognized program developed by the hospitality industry, has become the first classroom-based training in Iowa approved to provide affirmative-defense protections to businesses whose employees complete the certification.

DES MOINES, IOWA (January 7, 2025) — The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its fourth-quarter Economic Outlook Survey (EOS) for 2024. The report measures IBC member expectations for sales, capital spending, and employment for the next six months. If the index measures above fifty, sentiment is positive. The survey’s overall economic outlook index is 65.63, an increase of 8.96 points from the previous quarter representing a significant increase in optimism from IBC members.