The Innovation Lab, with support from the National League of Cities and the City of Dubuque, is thrilled to announce three seed funding awards totaling $10,000 to Latino entrepreneurs in Dubuque.Â
Earlier this year, The Innovation Lab hosted a series of listening sessions with Latino business owners and entrepreneurs to identify the challenges they face in starting or growing their businesses. These sessions highlighted key needs: targeted marketing of resources and services in accessible formats, and access to startup funding to help fuel business development.
In response, The Innovation Lab launched a targeted communications initiative in July, providing translated information about entrepreneurship resources and services to the Latino community in Dubuque. Today, the Innovation Lab is pleased to announce funding awards to three Latino-owned startups and small businesses:
At Papi’s - A specialty bakery set to open in November, awarded $3,250.
La Venta - A specialty coffee roaster, awarded $3,000.
Gaia Waxing Studio - A waxing studio expanding to a new location, awarded $3,750.
These seed funding awards represent a commitment to bolstering local businesses and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dubuque.
As an entrepreneurship hub for Dubuque County, the Innovation Lab offers free resources and support for both emerging and established businesses. More information on services is available at the Dubuque Business Lab:Â https://www.ruralideas.net/labs/dubuque-county.
Watch for information about the 2025 Dubuque County Business Competition coming up in February, with applications opening in December. Learn more about The Innovation Lab and the competition at innovationlab.us/dbqbizcomp.