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Incubator for Black and brown entrepreneurs opening along Des Moines' 6th Avenue

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Business developer is another credit to add to Marquas Ashworth's resume.

The hip-hop artist and whiskey distiller returns to Talk of Iowa to talk about Center at Sixth, a $10 million development that Ashworth and community leaders broke ground on this summer. It's anticipated to open in 2024.

The facility will provide live-and-work spaces as well as retail and restaurant options to help launch Black and brown entrepreneurs. This project has been two years in the making for Ashworth. He has already been assisting business owners like Nadia Ahissiou through his incubator program.

Later in the episode, host Charity Nebbe talks with Teresa Zilk about the next installment of her storytelling series "Stories to Tell My Daughter." Launched in 2018, these events are held around the state to highlight the lived experiences of African-American women, with an always-changing lineup of storytellers including newcomer Lya Williams.

Guests:

  • Marquas Ashworth, owner and operator, Center at Sixth
  • Nadia Ahissiou, owner, Nadia's French Bakery
  • Teresa Zilk, founder and producer, Stories to Tell My Daughter
  • Lya Williams, storyteller and Johnston resident
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.