AMES, Iowa, February 21, 2022 – Ag Startup Engine, in the Iowa State University (ISU) Research Park, has announced that Northwest Bank has become their third Silver Planter Sponsor. Northwest Bank is a family owned bank based in Spencer, Iowa, and have recently opened a location in Ames.
Ag Startup Engine is pleased to be supported by Northwest Bank. Kevin Kimle, co-director, says “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Neal and Dwight Conover, the founders of Northwest Bank, for some years. Their entrepreneurial story of starting with two failed S&L’s years ago and building a great business with so much community impact is inspirational.”
Doug Ragaller, Regional Bank President at Ames, adds, “Neal and Dwight Conover founded Northwest Bank with a real entrepreneurial spirit. Northwest Bank is excited to be in Ames and support Ag
Start Up Engine with its mission of helping people in agriculture that have that same spirit.”
“Ag Startup Engine is a community of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and builders and Northwest is a great addition to it. We look forward to their engagement and help in developing and growing businesses,” adds Kimle.
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Ag Startup Engine was launched five years ago to help address two fundamental gaps that prevent agricultural startups and entrepreneurs from being more successful: early seed-stage investment and organized mentorship from successful entrepreneurs. With the program’s second fund, their goal is to accept and invest in 45 agriculture and animal health startups in the next four years.