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Your Voice Matters in Iowa’s Leadership Transition

Posted on 10/02/2026 12:00 am  

As Iowa prepares for a significant gubernatorial leadership transition this November, women‑owned microbusinesses have an important opportunity, making sure the next administration understands the realities and contributions of Iowa’s small business entrepreneurs.

NAWBO National reminds us that “advocacy is the act of speaking on behalf of or in support of another person, place, or thing,” and that our bipartisan approach ensures “decision‑makers on both sides of the aisle hear the women‑owned business voice.”

For many of us, advocacy can feel intimidating or daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Advocacy is simply sharing your lived experience so our local policymakers can make educated decisions or know who to connect with as they also research legislative bills next session.

Why This Election Matters for Iowa’s Women-Owned Microbusinesses

While national policy sets the tone, state leadership determines our day‑to‑day environment in which Iowa’s microbusinesses operate. The next governor will influence:

  • Access to capital: NAWBO’s national data shows access to capital remains a top barrier for women business owners.
  • Workforce flexibility and hiring: More than 65% of NAWBO members rely on independent contractors, making workforce flexibility a critical issue for women‑owned businesses. State‑level regulatory decisions directly shape how Iowa entrepreneurs structure their teams. This year, Iowa took a meaningful step toward modernizing workforce policy, thanks in part to IEDA Director Debi Durham, with the passage of HF 2502, which expands paid parental leave options for state employees and allows leave to be used more flexibly within the first year after a child’s birth or adoption. While this policy applies to state employees, it signals a broader shift: Iowa’s leadership is increasingly recognizing the importance of practical, family‑supportive workforce policies.
  • Technology and AI readiness: Women business owners nationwide cite AI and digital tools as essential for growth, and state‑level support can accelerate access and adoption.

 
As Iowa transitions to new gubernatorial leadership, NAWBO Iowa will continue advocating for workforce policies that support stability and business growth.

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on microbusiness designations here: NAWBO Iowa Microbusiness Member Survey

Advocacy 101: What It Actually Means

 NAWBO National defines advocacy clearly:

  • “You join an advocacy organization to have your voice heard and to make changes to current policy.”
  • "Advocacy helps your business by ensuring policymakers listen and hear your issues and concerns.”


Advocacy does not require: Knowing every bill, being political, or agreeing with every candidate
Advocacy does require: Your lived experience, willingness to share it, and a desire to help shape a better business environment for all.

Three Simple Ways to Engage Before November

  1. Learn What’s on Your Ballot
    Understanding who is running, meeting your local candidates and elected representatives and seek to understand how their priorities affect small business. As business leaders, listen first and meet candidates on all ‘sides’ of your core areas of interest. This is a good first step in shaping Iowa’s future business climate.
  2. Attend a Candidate Meet‑and‑Greet or Forum
    On a local and personal level, make it a goal to build relationships, regardless of voting preferences. This of it as building a business relationship. At a chapter level, NAWBO National guidance is clear: If one candidate asks to meet, “you must, in turn, request a meeting with the opposing candidate.” This keeps our chapter bipartisan and focused on business issues, not party politics.
  3. Share One Business Challenge with NAWBO Iowa
    Your stories shape our chapter’s 2027 advocacy agenda. Tell us: What’s hardest right now? What’s preventing growth? What policy change would help? We’ll bring those insights into our statewide advocacy conversations and to our planning conversations for the February Legislative Reception.

Your voice matters. Your experience matters. And together, we can help shape a stronger future for Iowa’s business community.

Rebekah Brandmeyer & Char Austin
Directors of Advocacy, NAWBO Iowa

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