The Iowa Association of Business and Industry

What The Iowa Association of Business and Industry does

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1903 and headquartered at 400 East Court Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, Iowa, operating as the "Voice of Iowa Business." ABI serves as the largest business network in Iowa, with member companies spanning all industries and sizes across the state's 99 counties and collectively employing more than 330,000 Iowans. The organization provides three core functional offerings: (1) legislative and regulatory advocacy at the Iowa state level, including operation of the Iowa Industry Political Action Committee (IIPAC) and direct litigation such as the 2025 challenge to SF 383; (2) business networking through annual events including the Annual Conference, Iowa Manufacturing Conference, Executive Forum, Golf Classic, and Business Day on the Hill; and (3) workforce development and professional programming via the wholly-owned ABI Foundation (a 501(c)(3) established in 1984), which runs Business Horizons (high school), Leadership Iowa University (college), Leadership Iowa (professionals), and Elevate Iowa (manufacturing).

ABI's revenue is generated through four streams: recurring membership dues from Iowa businesses; foundation donations and program participation fees routed through the 501(c)(3) ABI Foundation (with Endow Iowa offering donors a 25% Iowa tax credit); individual political contributions to IIPAC (corporate contributions prohibited under Iowa law); and corporate sponsorship of foundation programs at presenting, leading, and connecting tiers. Pricing for paid programs is modest and tiered — Business Horizons charges $475-$650 per participant and Leadership Iowa University charges $500 per participant — with need-based scholarships available. The organization operates with a small staff (11-50 employees) led by President Nicole Crain, and its technology footprint is limited to a member portal, mobile conference app, and standard digital communications channels. No AI/ML capabilities, proprietary technology products, or external funding are associated with ABI.

Name

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry

Legal name

Iowa Association of Business and Industry

Website

https://iowaabi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1903

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) is a 1903-founded nonprofit trade association and the largest business network in Iowa, providing legislative advocacy, business networking, and workforce development programs to member companies across all 99 counties, with member firms employing over 330,000 Iowans.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: ABI operates as a membership organization with companies paying dues to join. Members gain access to advocacy services, networking events, and programs. The organization states it is the largest business network in Iowa.
2. ABI Foundation Donations and Program Fees: The ABI Foundation (501(c)(3)) accepts tax-deductible donations and program fees. Supports Business Horizons, Leadership Iowa University, Leadership Iowa, and Elevate Iowa programs. Endow Iowa allows Iowa taxpayers to receive 25% Iowa tax credit for donations.
3. IIPAC Political Contributions: Iowa Industry Political Action Committee accepts personal contributions from members to support pro-business candidates. Governed by board of directors. Corporate contributions not allowed per Iowa law.
4. Program Participation Fees: Business Horizons charges $475 (early registration) or $650 (after June 7). Leadership Iowa University charges $500 per participant. Fees cover lodging, meals, materials and activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) is a nonprofit business trade association providing legislative advocacy, public policy representation, business networking, and workforce/leadership development programs to its member companies. Its core offerings include the Business Horizons innovation simulation for high school students, Leadership Iowa University for college students, Leadership Iowa for professionals, and Elevate Iowa for the manufacturing sector, alongside advocacy services through the Iowa Industry Political Action Committee (IIPAC).

Product overview

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) is a business association serving as the Voice of Iowa Business since 1903. Rather than a unified technology product, ABI offers a portfolio of workforce development and leadership programs: Business Horizons for high school students, Leadership Iowa University for college students, and Leadership Iowa for professionals. Additional offerings include Elevate Iowa for manufacturing workforce, the Iowa Manufacturing Conference, Executive Forum, and Golf Classic events. ABI also provides advocacy services through IIPAC, operates the ABI Foundation as its 501(c)(3) arm, maintains a membership directory for its network of companies representing all Iowa industries, and offers a conference mobile app. The organization does not offer technology products or software as its core business.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Business Horizons: Five-day innovation simulation program for high school students (grades 9-12) focusing on entrepreneurship, business skills, and leadership development.
• Leadership Iowa
• Leadership Iowa University
• YP Iowa (Young Professionals of Iowa)
• Elevate Iowa
• IIPAC (Iowa Industry Political Action Committee)

Products and services

• Business Horizons Five-day innovation simulation program for Iowa high school students (grades 9-12) that develops leadership skills, business creation, and team competition across investor pitch, infomercial, and trade show challenges. Over 5,000 Iowans have participated across its 40+ year history.
• Leadership Iowa University Week-long professional and personal development program for Iowa college student-leaders, connecting participants with Iowa professionals through networking events, business visits, and roundtable discussions. Maximum 25 participants per year, $500 per participant.
• Leadership Iowa Premier statewide issues-awareness program for top Iowa professionals, meeting monthly October through June to learn about issues impacting the state including government, agriculture, education, healthcare, and economic development. 40 applicants selected annually.
• Elevate Iowa Workforce initiative focused on elevating Iowa's manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, and the Legends in Manufacturing Awards program.
• Annual Conference ABI's flagship annual event bringing together Iowa business leaders for networking, education, and engagement on the organization's policy priorities.
• Iowa Manufacturing Conference Annual conference bringing together manufacturing experts to provide insight and advice on top challenges and opportunities facing Iowa manufacturers, including technology utilization and market expansion.
• Executive Forum Exclusive members-only event for executive teams featuring in-depth discussions on latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping business and industry in Iowa.
• Golf Classic Annual executive golf event providing networking opportunities with Iowa business leaders at Glen Oaks Country Club.
• IIPAC (Iowa Industry Political Action Committee) Political action committee that supports pro-business candidates for statewide and legislative offices in Iowa, providing a unified voice for business at the Capitol. Governed by a board of directors.
• ABI Foundation 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to developing Iowa's workforce and leaders through statewide educational programs including Business Horizons, Leadership Iowa University, Leadership Iowa, and Elevate Iowa. Accepts tax-deductible donations with Endow Iowa 25% Iowa tax credit.
• YP Iowa (Young Professionals of Iowa) Statewide network connecting young professional organizations and individuals to advance professional development and community engagement across Iowa. Leadership Iowa University participants are invited to the YP Iowa Conference annually.
• ABI Membership Recurring business membership providing Iowa companies with access to public policy advocacy, networking events, leadership programs, member discounts, the Buy ABI purchasing program, and member-only events such as Executive Forum. Member companies collectively employ more than 330,000 Iowans across all 99 counties.
• Buy ABI Program Member-benefit program providing cost savings and purchasing power on business products and services through aggregated member demand.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,000+ students have participated in Business Horizons program over 40+ years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor, core, leading, connecting and presenting.

• KudermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2026Kuder has partnered with iJAG and ABI to scale work-based learning (WBL) for Iowa students through a data-driven, statewide approach. This initiative serves over 12,000 students annually, using real-time data to improve career readiness and economic outcomes. ABI's involvement provides business community connection to workforce development efforts.
• iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2026iJAG partners with Kuder and ABI on statewide work-based learning initiative serving 12,000+ students annually. iJAG provides career preparation programs while ABI connects employers and business perspective to workforce development efforts.
• Jacobson Institute for Youth EntrepreneurshipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerABI Foundation partners with Jacobson Institute for Educator Day at Business Horizons. Educators attend first two days of program and participate in DesignDash experience, then return for final competitions. University of Iowa provides graduate credit for educator participation.
• YP Iowa (Young Professionals of Iowa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYP Iowa helps individuals and YP organizations share responsibility for growing communities across Iowa. ABI Foundation is a proud partner of YPIowa. Leadership Iowa University participants are invited to the YPIowa Conference annually, featuring break-out sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities.
• EmersonleadingGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading sponsor of Leadership Iowa University program. Emerson supports ABI Foundation's workforce development mission to develop and retain talented young people in Iowa.
• Farm Bureau Financial ServicesleadingGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading sponsor of Leadership Iowa University program. FBFS supports ABI Foundation's college student leadership development initiatives.
• Grinnell MutualleadingGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading sponsor of Leadership Iowa University program. Grinnell Mutual contributes to developing Iowa's future workforce through ABI Foundation programs.
• Iowa Soybean AssociationleadingGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading sponsor of Leadership Iowa University program. Supports ABI Foundation's mission to develop Iowa's workforce and leaders.
• Pella CorporationleadingGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading sponsor of Leadership Iowa University program. Pella Corporation invests in Iowa's future workforce through ABI Foundation sponsorship.
• RTX Collins AerospaceconnectingGTM or Marketing PartnerConnecting sponsor of Leadership Iowa University. Collins Aerospace supports Iowa workforce development initiatives.
• Collins Aerospace RTXpresentingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Business Horizons program. Collins Aerospace provides significant support for high school student leadership development.
• Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling CompanypresentingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Business Horizons program. Supports ABI Foundation's youth workforce development mission.
• WellmarkpresentingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Business Horizons. Wellmark supports Iowa youth leadership development programs.
• Alliant EnergypresentingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Business Horizons. Alliant Energy supports workforce development initiatives in Iowa.
• GreenState Credit UnionpresentingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Business Horizons program supporting Iowa high school students.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Nebraska's statewide business association focused on legislative advocacy and member services. Comparable to ABI in mission and structure as a state-level business advocacy organization in an adjacent agricultural Midwestern state.
• Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: Wisconsin's statewide combined chamber of commerce and manufacturers' association, providing legislative advocacy, networking, and workforce programs to Wisconsin employers. Directly comparable to ABI as a Midwestern state-level business association offering advocacy and member services.
• Illinois Chamber of Commerce: Statewide business association providing advocacy, networking, and member programs for Illinois employers. Comparable to ABI as a state business chamber operating in an adjacent Midwestern state with similar advocacy and member-engagement functions.
• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: Statewide business association serving Minnesota employers with advocacy, networking, and leadership programs. Comparable to ABI as a neighboring Midwestern state association with similar advocacy, events, and foundation-style programming.
• Ohio Chamber of Commerce: Ohio's statewide business association providing advocacy, member services, and policy leadership. Comparable to ABI as a state business chamber with similar GTM motion around direct membership and legislative engagement.
• Kansas Chamber of Commerce: Kansas's statewide business advocacy organization representing employers at the state capitol. Directly comparable to ABI as a peer state chamber offering legislative advocacy and member programming.
• Indiana Chamber of Commerce: Indiana's statewide business association delivering advocacy, leadership programs, and networking. Comparable to ABI as a Midwestern state chamber with parallel advocacy and workforce/leadership development offerings.
• Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Statewide business association for Missouri employers with advocacy and member services. Comparable to ABI in structure, mission, and event-driven engagement model.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: National federation representing U.S. businesses with advocacy, networking, and policy programs. Comparable to ABI as a higher-tier business association in the same product category (advocacy + networking), though national in scope rather than state-specific.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): Largest U.S. manufacturing trade association, providing federal advocacy, networking, and workforce programs. Comparable to ABI as a national-scale trade association whose state affiliates overlap with ABI's mission, though NAM operates at the federal rather than state level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IowaABI
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BusinessHorizons/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/IowaABI
• Instagraminstagram.com/LeadershipIowaU
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iowa-association-of-business-and-industry

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Iowa Association of Business and Industry