Multicultural Development Center of Iowa

How It's Made: Custom Awards

Recognition is always in demand — and your next business idea could start here.

At MDC Iowa’s INNOV8 Lab, entrepreneurs and small business owners can create custom awards that help schools, companies, nonprofits, teams, and community organizations celebrate achievement in a meaningful way.

From 3D printed trophies to crystal awards, wood plaques, acrylic designs, metal pieces, and engraved keepsakes, our commercial-grade laser equipment can bring almost any idea to life with precision and professional quality.

Need custom awards for your business or organization? Thinking about starting a business that offers personalized recognition products? MDC Iowa’s INCUBATE business support program and INNOV8 Lab makerspace can help you access the tools, training, and support to turn that idea into income.

Dream it. Learn it. Build it.
Start at www.mdciowa.org

More fun with lasers!

Which version do you like best? A or B?

Custom laser-engraved golf bag tags made right here in Iowa at MDC Iowa's INNOV8 Lab.

Option A:
Machine: Xtool P2 (Co2 laser)
Material: 3mm Black to Pearl White Two-tone Acrylic
Settings: Engrave 25% 300mm/s, Cut 70% 11mm/s
Time: 27 minutes

Option B:
Machine: Xtool F2 Ultra UV
Material: 3mm Black to Pearl White Two-tone Acrylic
Settings: Engrave 90% 500mm/s, Cut 100% 3mm/s
Time: 11 minutes

This is a great business idea or a fun gift for your next event. Schedule a project session at the INNOV8 Lab and use our machines to bring your ideas to life. Did we mention it's free to use and you only pay for your own materials or bring your own?

How It's Made: Custom Laser Projects

Your next business idea could start with a custom laser project.

From branded pens and cork coasters to cutting boards, metal business cards, leather notebooks, and more, MDC Iowa’s INNOV8 Lab provides entrepreneurs with access to the tools, space, and support to design, prototype, and produce professional products in small batches.

Need branded merchandise for your business? Thinking about launching a custom laser engraving company? Our INCUBATE business support program and community-based makerspace can help you turn ideas into income.

Bring your vision. We’ll help you make it.
Learn more at https://zurl.co/YrPNa

Welcome to the MDC Iowa team, Stefan Dodds!

We’re thrilled to introduce Stefan as our new Chief Innovation Engineer — a creative force, problem-solver, maker, and community builder who is passionate about helping ideas become real.

Stefan brings an incredible mix of talents to MDC Iowa, from glass blowing and leather working to furniture making, vintage clothing, upcycling, and repurposing everyday items in thoughtful, sustainable ways. His creativity is rooted in craftsmanship, curiosity, and a deep commitment to reducing waste while helping others see new possibilities in the materials and ideas around them.

In his role, Stefan will be supporting founders, makers, artists, entrepreneurs, and creative members of our local community as they design, build, test, and bring their visions to life.

Stop by our INNOV8 Lab to say hello during Stefan’s open “office” hours, Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 PM. Whether you’re working through a project, exploring a new idea, or just looking for inspiration, Stefan is here to help you make it happen.

Please join us in giving Stefan a warm welcome to the MDC Iowa family!

Ideas. Tools. Community. Let’s make it.

Introducing our new web content series: How It's Made.

Each week, our team highlights a DIY project and the many services and support resources available through MDC Iowa.

This week: CNC Carved Glow-In-The-Dark Signs

Why this matters: Small businesses need cost-effective options for signage, and MDC Iowa's INNOV8 Lab helps community members create their own at no cost.

Want to learn more about how our team can help you on your entrepreneurial journey with direct business support? Check out our updated website to learn more. www.mdciowa.org

AI is part of the threat landscape. It can also be part of your defense.

Harmony Email Security uses AI-driven threat intelligence and behavioral analysis to detect advanced phishing, malware, and account takeover attempts in real time. Modern business deserves modern protection — and your team deserves inboxes that let them focus on the work that matters.

Future-proof your inbox with MDC Iowa.


https://campaigns.channext.com/mdc-iowa/email-security?lang=en_US&utm_source=fb&utm_term=37922

One small mistake. Big consequence.

An attachment with financial data. Auto-complete picked the wrong contact. The email is already gone — outside the organization. Not a cyberattack, just a busy afternoon and a tiny oversight.

That’s exactly why prevention can’t depend on perfect human attention. With built-in data loss prevention, Check Point Harmony Email Security spots sensitive content and stops it from leaving your environment before a mistake becomes a problem. Smart systems that protect real people doing real work.

Add confidence to everyday communication with MDC Iowa.


https://campaigns.channext.com/mdc-iowa/email-security?lang=en_US&utm_source=fb&utm_term=37918

Is your team frustrated with slow apps and clunky remote access? 🤔

Many growing businesses still route cloud traffic through legacy VPNs — and that can drag down performance. Zero Trust access changes the rules by letting users connect directly and securely to the apps they need.

With Harmony SASE, traffic isn’t backhauled and protection stays strong. Security should enable productivity — not limit it.

Learn how MDC Iowa can help upgrade access and keep your team working smoothly.
https://campaigns.channext.com/mdc-iowa/sase-en?lang=en_US&utm_source=fb&utm_term=37149

🔒 Want inboxes that keep your team focused and protected?

A prevention-first approach blocks malicious content before it reaches employees, reducing exposure and alert fatigue. Harmony Email Security delivers AI-powered inline threat prevention to keep inboxes clean without slowing teams down — because security works best when it stays invisible.

MDC Iowa encourages organizations to move upstream with smarter defenses that let people work confidently.
https://campaigns.channext.com/mdc-iowa/email-security?lang=en_US&utm_source=fb&utm_term=37145