Inside the historic Pearl City Station in downtown Muscatine, five inspiring small business owners stepped into the spotlight Monday night to pitch their dreams, share their strategies, and showcase the power of Main Street entrepreneurship. Among them, representing Mount Pleasant with heart and hometown pride, was Preppin’ Mama.
A Local Vision with Statewide Impact
Dani Murphy and her daughter, Tatum Kane, the dynamic duo behind Preppin’ Mama, took the stage to present their vision of a modern homesteading education hub. Rooted in their passion for self-sufficiency and community connection, the Mount Pleasant-based business offers workshops and mentorship programs that teach food growing, cooking, and preservation.
Their pitch emphasized not only their deep knowledge and passion for homesteading but also their commitment to helping others build confidence and resilience through practical skills. With Mount Pleasant in their hearts and the future in their sights, Dani and Tatum made a strong case for how Preppin’ Mama can grow into a statewide resource for education, sustainability, and rural entrepreneurship.
Cheering on Mount Pleasant
The 2025 Open for Business Statewide Contest—hosted by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Main Street Iowa—is designed to elevate and invest in Main Street businesses across the state. The event drew supporters, judges, and economic leaders from around Iowa to witness firsthand the creativity and determination of local entrepreneurs.
During the evening, Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, highlighted the vital role of small businesses like Preppin’ Mama.
“Small businesses make up 99% of Iowa’s business community,” she said. “When we support them, we’re investing in people, families, and the very identity of our communities.”
Recognition and Reward
As the judges tallied their results and anticipation filled the room, a surprise announcement added to the excitement. Preppin’ Mama was awarded a tied fourth-place finish, sharing the honor with Torrent Brewing Company of Ames. Each business was awarded $10,000 to support future growth.
Applause erupted from the crowd as Dani and Tatum accepted the recognition, proudly representing Mount Pleasant on a statewide stage. The funds will support their continued mission to expand workshop offerings, increase access to their mentorship programs, and strengthen rural education in food security and sustainability.
Shining a Light on Main Street
Preppin’ Mama’s success is part of a larger celebration of Iowa’s Main Street innovation. Other awardees included DroneEx of Elkader ($15,000), Z’s Pizza & Diner of Waverly ($20,000), and the grand prize winner, The Honey Den of West Branch, which took home $25,000.
But for Mount Pleasant, the night belonged to Preppin’ Mama.
“This wasn’t just about business,” said one event organizer. “It was about vision, passion, and community. And Preppin’ Mama brought all three.”
As Dani and Tatum return home with new support and statewide recognition, Mount Pleasant can proudly say: one of Iowa’s best and brightest small businesses is growing right here.