What began as an effort to provide more holistic, better food options and products to pet owners quickly became a means for connecting with the community. Through donations, fundraising and volunteering, Leash on Life co-owners Julie Phye and Laurie Smith spread around their goodwill to aid in both animal and people causes. Because, as Julie says, "We can't have the communities we have if we don't give back."

North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground.

Get to know your new business community.