building Iowa's Largest Peer-to-Peer Network for Entrepreneurs.
Founded in early 2025 in response to Iowa's unique economic challenges:
• 51st in the nation in overall economy
• 51st in the nation in startup activity
• 50th in "best states for entrepreneurs"
• limited access to capital
• Geographically dispersed population
We seek to redefine the entrepreneurial landscape of Iowa.
Establishing ourselves as an ecosystem rather than a traditional group, we facilitate access to opportunities, tools, connections, resources, and services, enabling our members to advance their ventures and contribute to mutual success.
Entrepreneurs of Iowa envisions a transformed Iowa as a premier hub for entrepreneurial innovation, where a robust digital ecosystem unites value creators across the state to rival the vibrancy of major urban centers, driving sustainable economic growth, fostering diverse opportunities, and elevating the prosperity of all Iowans through collaborative networks and shared resources.
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To help over 200,000 Iowa Entrepreneurs build better Iowa businesses through the EOI Ecosystem.
To empower our Iowa Entreprenuers with the tools, connections, and resources that foster growth for themselves, their businesses, and inevitably lead to statewide economic development.
The People Behind
Entrepreneurs of Iowa
James is a Business Professional with over 10 years in enterprise-level sales and an additional 15 years as a Founder and Operator of his own businesses. He facilitates opportunities between our members, sponsors, and marketplace partners.
Anthony is an expert web designer and SEO specialist. He's worked as a freelancer, Agency Owner, and has been involved as a partner in multiple Iowa startups. He has spearheaded the launch of key EOI strategies and development goals.
Whitney is a natural self-starter and leader with a diverse educational background. She first worked as a teacher, then started a highly successful homeschool organization in North Iowa, which continues to grow to this day. She's the linchpin behind our successful events.
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Our founder
Elijah Bluhm, CEO of EOI
At the helm of Entrepreneurs of Iowa is Elijah Bluhm, a seventh-generation Iowan with deep roots in the state. At 17, he committed to pursuing his dreams in business, dropping out of high school to develop self-taught expertise in marketing and business operations. Since his start as a freelancer in 2018, he has advised over 200 companies worldwide, launched two startups, and founded Edj Digital - a top 1% web design agency.
His vision for Entrepreneurs of Iowa stems from his own experience building a business in rural North Iowa.
In his words, "I believe that Iowa can be a beacon of innovation throughout the U.S. We have the character - we need more of the means. EOI is an answer to a serious gap Iowa's business environment has had."
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