The University Economic Development Association (UEDA) has given awards to the University of Northern Iowa’s Dream Big Grow Here and Iowa Business Concierge programs. The programs were the recipients of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Research and Analysis awards at the annual UEDA conference in Pittsburgh.

Dream Big Grow Here received the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award for its innovative statewide contest that rewards a good business approach and pitch with money. The program uses an online platform where entrepreneurs can upload their plans of starting or expanding a business, and then encourages friends, family and customers to vote for them.

The Iowa Business Concierge program received the Research and Analysis Award for providing market research information, which is typically too expensive for small firms, at no charge to Iowa firms. In its first six months, the Iowa Business Concierge assisted 256 business owners, helped create 11 new businesses and helped launch eight new products or services.

For more information, contact Joe Bolick, communications and public relations, UNI Business and Community Services, at (319) 273-6577 or mjbolick@uni.edu.