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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Multicultural Development Center of Iowa

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Iowa City, IA
Multicultural Development Center of Iowa

The Multicultural Development Center of Iowa is a nonprofit organization with a mission to serve by providing access to education and economic support.

08/30/2026

We are proud to announce the promotion of Ahmed Hamad to Associate Director of Microlending.

Ahmed already wears many hats at MDC Iowa and has been part of our family for almost three years. He provides business coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, has led our community lending initiative since 2024, and is one of the earliest success stories in our cybersecurity workforce development program.

Our organization's philosophy is to promote from within and encourage our team members to experience every aspect of our operation. We believe this helps our future leaders develop a more realistic understanding of the daily challenges of the communities that we serve and our own opportunities for improvement. Ahmed has embraced this mindset and has consistently stepped up to help whenever we needed him.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Ahmed continues to invest in his own professional growth while serving our community. He is currently completing his degree in Finance & Risk Management at the University of Iowa, bringing that knowledge and expertise directly back into the work we do.

Please join us in celebrating Ahmed's committment to serving our community and his well-deserved promotion!

08/29/2026

“Eating your own dog food" is a business practice where a company uses its own products or services. At MDC Iowa, we do just that. Our small business support services aren’t just for our clients, they’re for us as well.

Today, we printed our updated banners for the upcoming Kirkwood Business and Information Technology Back to School event. We think they turned out great and can’t wait to show them off at Kirkwood on Sept. 2nd. Our INCUBATE business coaches look forward to supporting your small business with our extensive technical assistance grant program including same-day printing and promotional materials service. Apply for a TA grant today at https://mdciowa.org/economic-development/small-business-support

INCUBATE small business support program sponsored by GreenState Credit Union Nicolet Bank - Iowa and The City of Iowa City Government

06/27/2026

u·ni·ty
/ˈyo͞onədē/
noun
1. the state of being united or joined as a whole.

The world has always been in a constant state of chaos, but something feels different now. Do we even think of trying to be united, or are divisive actions the new norm?

Inspired by other fashion activists and our work to empower the community, MDC Iowa proudly introduces our UNITY brand apparel for those who aspire to be intentionally less divisive.

Fall designs will be available in September at mdciowa.org

06/26/2026

What an incredible day with students from NewBoCo Education.

We had the chance to welcome a curious and motivated group of students for a hands-on look at where technology, design, and skilled trades can take them. Together, we explored cybersecurity career paths and shared how students can access free training through MDC Iowa to start building job-ready skills.

And then we switched gears from cyber to sneakers.

Students got a sneak peek at our new Air Jordan 1 shoemaking class, where creativity meets craftsmanship. To make the experience even more memorable, they rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on project: sewing leather bookmarks on our industrial sewing machines.

From cybersecurity to shoemaking, the visit was all about helping students see that career paths are not one-size-fits-all. They can be technical, creative, hands-on, entrepreneurial, and completely their own.

A huge thank you to NewBoCo Education for bringing such an engaged group of students to learn, explore, and create with us. The future is in good hands — and maybe wearing handmade sneakers.

06/19/2026

How It's Made: Custom Air Jordan 1 Shoes

Another first in Iowa: custom AJ1 shoemaking is here at MDC Iowa’s INNOV8 Lab!

Small business owners, makers, designers, and aspiring entrepreneurs can now learn to design and create a one-of-one custom pair of Air Jordan 1 shoes under the guidance of our experienced leather craftsman (Stefan) and custom shoemaker (Tracy Jon).

From concept and color selection to patterns, leather cutting, sewing, shaping, sole assembly, and finishing, our team helps even beginners bring their vision to life step by step.

Thinking about launching a custom footwear brand? Want to explore small-batch product design? Looking for a new creative business opportunity? MDC Iowa’s INCUBATE business support program and INNOV8 Lab makerspace provide access to the tools, training, and support to help you get started.

Dream it. Learn it. Build it. Wear it.
Start your journey at https://zurl.co/500kt

06/12/2026

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

06/06/2026

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?

06/05/2026

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

05/30/2026

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.

05/29/2026

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

Address

3515 Dolphin Drive SE
Iowa City, IA
52240

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.mdciowa.org/

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