SOLON — Two business that got their start in Solon, and have expanded into other communities, will be in the spotlight Wednesday, June 11 at Big Grove Brew-pub as the Community Horizon’s Speaker Series concludes. The series, coordinated by Greater Iowa City, Inc. with Johnson County and several local communities, has focused on rural development.

The final session, titled Small Town, Big Dreams – Real Iowa Success Stories/Preparing Your City for Success, will feature Doug Goettsch, Cheryl Maloney, and Solon City Administrator Cami Rasmussen.

Goettsch co-founded Big Grove, which has expanded from Solon to locations in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and soon in Omaha.

Mahoney is the founder, CEO, and President of The Eat Shop, which has grown from one location in Solon to Marion, and two locations on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City.

“We encourage those interested in opening a small business and want to learn more about how to start a business in a small town, to attend and hear how Big Grove Brewery and The Eat Shop got their start in Solon,” said Rasmussen. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. with a light lunch offered and is free to attend.

Registration at https://iowacityareabusinesspartnership.growthzoneapp.com is requested.