U.S. Senator Joni Ernst delivered remarks at her 2026 Entrepreneur Expo at Iowa State University on June 30, thanking partners and highlighting the event’s role in connecting Iowa entrepreneurs with federal, state, and private organizations. Ernst said, “I also want to say thank you to Senator Koelker for emceeing; Drew Oetting and Josh Carter, who will be joining me on the stage shortly; and all our federal, state, and private partners for traveling to be with us today. The Expo would not have been possible without collaboration with the Iowa SBDC and CIRAS APEX Accelerator, who have been integral in planning this event.”
Ernst noted that over the past three years, the expo has brought a wide variety of organizations together in Iowa to engage with entrepreneurs and small business owners. She shared an example of Jeremiah Terhark of Webspec Design winning contracts after attending a previous expo: “For example, Jeremiah Terhark, Founder and CEO of Webspec Design, first attended the Expo in 2023. Through connections made at the Expo, Webspec has gone on to win contracts with the state of Iowa and Iowa State University.”
As Chair of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Ernst said providing these opportunities is a top priority because “Iowa small businesses are at the center of innovation—creating new products and technologies that support the warfighter and contribute to America’s industrial base.” She emphasized this year’s theme: “Made in Iowa: Ready for the Mission,” stating that work done by Iowans strengthens national security.
Ernst discussed recent legislative efforts including her Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act being signed into law earlier this year by President Trump. The bill reauthorized key programs supporting innovation among small businesses while introducing safeguards against foreign espionage: “The reauthorization also enacted heightened safeguards to protect critical technologies against Chinese espionage…” She also referenced tax relief measures from last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts package aimed at protecting jobs in Iowa.
Background information indicates that since launching in 2023, Ernst has hosted four annual expos focused on connecting local businesses with government contracting opportunities related to defense needs. The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee supports informed decision-making on national fiscal priorities through comprehensive policy options on federal budget components; it was established via legislation passed in 1974. Lindsey Graham serves as chairman while Jeff Merkley is ranking member; nonpartisan budgetary analysis is provided through oversight of the Congressional Budget Office, according to the official website.
In closing her remarks before introducing Jeremy Hayes from Defense Innovation Unit as keynote speaker, Ernst said she expects continued success from future expos: “While this will be the last time I host the Expo, I know this event will continue to produce fruitful partnerships and results for our attendees.”