Business & Community Services
Building a Better Iowa: Empowering Communities to Shape Their Future
At the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Business and Community Services (BCS), our mission is simple: to meet the real needs of Iowans. For 26 consecutive years, our 12 programs have provided tailored economic development assistance to all 99 Iowa counties, reaching over 235,000 Iowans through our specialized outreach programs.
Business Development & Innovation
We help Iowa businesses scale and thrive through specialized consulting and transition planning.
- Entrepreneurship: Through programs like the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) and SBDC, we support the next generation of Iowa founders.
- Succession Planning: Advance Iowa and the Family Business Center provide critical tools for business owners looking to transition their legacy to the next generation.
- Manufacturing 4.0: Our Metal Casting Center (MCC) and Foundry 4.0 Center lead the way in Manufacturing 4.0, keeping Iowa industry competitive.
Workforce Development
Building a Better Iowa starts with a skilled workforce. We connect talent with opportunity through data-driven strategies.
- Strategic Marketing: Our Strategic Marketing Services (SMS) helps communities and businesses understand market trends to attract and retain top-tier talent.
- Community Planning: The Institute for Decision Making (IDM) provides local leaders with the resources needed to create vibrant, workforce-ready communities.
Energy & Environmental Efficiency
We are committed to a sustainable Iowa by providing practical solutions for energy and land management.
- Waste & Energy Reduction: The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) and the Center for Energy & Environmental Education (CEEE) provide technical assistance to small businesses to reduce costs and environmental impact.
- Natural Resources: The Tallgrass Prairie Center (TPC) works with 99 counties to supply native seeds for Iowa roadsides, supporting both biodiversity and local agriculture.
Building a Better Iowa
It's what we do. This mission drives us forward to deliver assistance to the door of clients in all 99 Iowa counties. The dedicated staff in our programs work with businesses, entrepreneurs, communities and governments, providing a wide array of services from marketing research and business incubation, to environmental compliance assistance and economic development. The BCS brand continues to grow to cater to the needs of Iowa businesses providing unsurpassed expertise and knowledge.
BCS programs impacted more than 235,000
Iowans in Fiscal Year 2025
Served 4,662 unique businesses, communities and local governments in all 99 counties last year
Leveraged each $1 invested by the state with $5 in external funds
We have the right support for you
From an entrepreneur needing help to turn their dream into reality, to a manufacturer needing environmental assistance or 3D mold printing, and even a business needing in-depth market research to gain a competitive advantage, we have a program that can help. Let us help your company grow in Iowa.
Stories of innovation, growth and community
How do we create a thriving future for all 99 counties? Join the BCS team as we dive into the heart of what makes our state grow. The Building a Better Iowa Podcast brings you expert insights and inspiring stories from the front lines of economic development, entrepreneurship, and community vitality.
Whether you are a small business owner navigating a transition, a community leader looking for growth strategies, or a curious Iowan interested in the innovation happening in your backyard, this podcast is for you. We feature conversations with industry experts, faculty researchers, and local changemakers who are all working toward one common goal: Building a Better Iowa.