Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, World’s Window
Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: World’s Window of Black Hawk County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
“For 40 years, World’s Window operated as a community-led nonprofit,” said Chair Ernst. “Now this family-owned small business continues its founding mission through a year-round indoor market that allows local Iowa artisans a Main Street location without the typical costs associated – offering an array of high-quality, handcrafted goods for folks in Cedar Valley and beyond.”
In 1982, Vonna Yoder founded World’s Window to support artisans and educate the community about fair trade practices. From selling artisan products at church-sponsored gift fairs to establishing a permanent retail location, Vonna operated World’s Window as a community-led nonprofit for 40 years.
In 2022, longtime volunteer Betsy Roling purchased the store and kept the mission alive as a family-owned small business. World’s Window offers handcrafted goods from over 30 countries and 40 artisan groups. With the help of community employees and volunteers, Betsy introduced the Cob Mercantile, giving local Iowa artisans a Main Street location to sell their products without the costs associated with owning a storefront. Later this year, World’s Window will celebrate its 43rd year in Iowa.
Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.
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