Business Blend: Supporting Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses to Build a Stronger County

Since September 2026, Poweshiek County Business Blend has brought business owners together once a month over coffee to connect, learn, discuss, and workshop on important business-related topics. More than 20 business owners across Brooklyn, Montezuma, and Grinnell have participated in Business Blend so far, and attendance has stayed consistent.

Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative is thrilled to partner with the Iowa Center for Economic Success and other county-wide organizations to bring Business Blend to Poweshiek County. It is one more way Poweshiek Development connects entrepreneurs and small businesses with the people and resources that help them thrive.

What Happens at Business Blend

Business coach Barb Baker from the Iowa Center for Economic Success leads each one-hour session. She shares the topic ahead of time, so you can come ready with questions. Then the group works through an activity together. 

The same topic runs in Montezuma, Grinnell and Brooklyn each month. Business Blend is open to all Poweshiek County residents, whether you are just starting out or have run a business for years.

Katy Wells, Owner of Double You Marketing attended a session in Grinnell.

"I attended the Grinnell Business Blend hoping for a solid educational and networking hour, but I left genuinely impressed by the depth of the conversation. Connecting with fellow business owners offered a refreshing space to trade insights, pressure-test ideas, and find mutual support for our shared challenges. Taking off unbillable time can be difficult, but this was absolutely a productive use of my time. I hope to attend more upcoming sessions!"

-Katy Wells, Owner, Double You Marketing

Looking Ahead for Sessions

Business Blend will try something new in 2027. Each month, the coffee meetup will open a topic with a group talk. Later that same month, a 60-minute session will dig deeper into the same topic. Business Blend will occur the third week of each month: Tuesdays in Montezuma, Wednesdays in Grinnell and Thursdays in Brooklyn. All sessions run from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

December: AI Usage for Small Businesses

Learn low-cost ways to use AI, and where it makes mistakes

Montezuma: Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Vivarium Coffee 

Grinnell: Wednesday, Dec. 16 at Saints Rest Coffee House 

Brooklyn: Thursday, Dec. 17 at Center Ground Coffee Bar

January: Review and Reset Your Business Plan

Look back at what worked for your business in 2026 and what didn't, and leave with a few clear priorities for 2027.

Montezuma: Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Vivarium Coffee 

Grinnell: Wednesday, Jan. 20 at Saints Rest Coffee House

Brooklyn: Thursday, Jan. 21 at Center Ground Coffee Bar

February: Branding and Reputation Management

Talk through how customers see your business, from your logo and messaging to your online reviews, and simple ways to strengthen it.

Montezuma: Tuesday, Feb. 16 at Vivarium Coffee 

Grinnell: Wednesday, Feb. 17 at Saints Rest Coffee House 

Brooklyn: Thursday, Feb. 18 at Center Ground Coffee Bar

There is no cost to attend, and coffee is provided. Please register so organizers can plan: http://theiowacenter.org/business-blend

Questions or topic ideas? Email director@poweshiekdevelopment.com.

Thank You to Our Partners

Business Blend is presented by the Iowa Center for Economic Success, Poweshiek Development, Montezuma Community Development, the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and Brooklyn Economic Development.