THE CHALLENGE For years, Habitat for Humanity of Dubuque & Jackson County has helped families achieve affordable homeownership and build stronger futures. With a significant pocket neighborhood development project on the horizon and growing housing needs across the region, the organization saw an opportunity to imagine a larger role in addressing affordable housing challenges. THE INNOVATION WORKS® APPROACH Habitat participated in a two-day Innovation Works® session designed

Nonprofit organizations looking to strengthen their impact and build capacity for the future now have a new opportunity through Catalyst Grants, a collaborative program between The Innovation Lab and the Alliant Energy Foundation. Designed to help mission-driven organizations move bold ideas forward, Catalyst Grants provide nonprofits with access to customized strategy, innovation and organizational development support. Rather than offering traditional financial grants alo

THE CHALLENGE Since 1932, the Dubuque Rescue Mission has served individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness in the Dubuque community. As needs evolved and resources fluctuated, the organization recognized an opportunity to reassess how its work aligned with available capacity. Leadership looked for ways to focus programs more effectively while engaging new partners and supporters in imagining a best-practice approach to serving under-housed and unhoused individuals. T

The energy was high, and the room was full as more than 70 community members gathered to support local entrepreneurs at this year’s Dubuque County Business Competition, powered by Dupaco Credit Union. The event brought together founders, small business owners, community leaders, and supporters for an evening of pitches, connection, and celebration of innovation happening right here in Dubuque County. This year’s competition featured 18 participating businesses, each sharing t

THE CHALLENGE For many years, Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity has helped families achieve safe, affordable homeownership through a trusted model. But rising material and labor costs, combined with increasing competition for philanthropic dollars, have made this model harder to sustain. The organization needed a forward-looking plan that would strengthen short-term impact while ensuring long-term stability. THE INNOVATION WORKS® APPROACH Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity pa

THE CHALLENGE The Community Support Network (CSN) had been serving over 150 developmentally disabled adults in Madison, WI, through...

THE CHALLENGE The Catherine McAuley Center has long served as a trusted resource for women experiencing homelessness, offering safety,...

THE CHALLENGE The Fields of Sinsinawa is a young nonprofit with a bold vision: restore soil health across America’s farmland to ensure...

THE CHALLENGE After years of reacting to changes in funding and filling gaps as they emerged, Waypoint Services recognized a pattern: too...

THE CHALLENGE In the wake of the pandemic, Project Iowa faced the challenge of navigating fluctuating demand, unpredictable funding, and...

Since launching in 2018, the Innovation Lab has been dedicated to creating a space where innovation thrives and unexpected "collisions"...

For the second consecutive year, ambitious entrepreneurs will have an avenue to help launch their business or help it grow. The Dubuque...

The Innovation Lab, with support from the National League of Cities and the City of Dubuque, is thrilled to announce three seed funding...

In April, 37 community members representing 8 different companies attended a Days of Caring Innovation Session at The Innovation Lab to...

This past Fall, Marcus Washington had an idea to help other local entrepreneurs. When he’s not creating new products to sell through his...

On February 1, the entrepreneurial spirit was alive and thriving in Dubuque County as 18 local entrepreneurs showcased their business...

On August 29, a group of 15 entrepreneurs and leaders from financial institutions, including Dupaco, DuTrac, and Dubuque Bank & Trust,...

Develop your business idea and get a crack at up to $5,000 in pitch prize money! Venture School meets on Tuesday nights, October 3 -...

Thanks to funding from a Dubuque County Grant, The Innovation Lab is excited to launch applications for Entrepreneurship Event Seed...

Businesses in Dubuque County have a new tool to launch, manage, and grow their business - the Business Lab. The Business Lab provides a...