Recent 2025 state rankings place Iowa 47th in the nation for women-owned business growth and economic impact. We have lots of room for improvement! At the annual advocacy “Meet the Legislators” event, this year held at Terrace Hill, NAWBO Iowa’s advocacy team shared key information: 

Business Representation: Women own 43.4% of small businesses in Iowa, totaling approximately 289,962 firms.

The "Clout Gap": Despite their high ownership share, Iowa's WOBs are predominantly nonemployers (43.7%), earning an average of $35,000 annually—less than half that of their 
male counterparts.

Barriers to Success: Key obstacles include limited access to capital (only 42% of 2024 SBA loan recipients were women), heavy concentration in sectors vulnerable to inflation, and a lack of state-level investment in women-specific programs.

As well as actionable goals for Iowa legislators, including:

Codify "Microbusiness" Definition: Legally define a "Microbusiness" in the Iowa Code as a firm with fewer than 10 employees to allow for more targeted, "right-sized" policy-making.

Expand "Right-Sized" Capital: Increase state support for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and develop microloan programs specifically under $50,000 to help nonemployers scale.

Modernize Procurement: Streamline certifications for Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and establish "micro-tier" set-asides for state contracts so small firms can compete.

Support Infrastructure and Care: Provide tax relief or wage subsidies for small healthcare and childcare practices and invest in broadband infrastructure in rural areas.

NAWBO Iowa will partner with Iowa legislators to improve the opportunities for growth and economic empowerment for women business owners in the state!