Spark DSM Minority Business Incubator
The Downtown Farmers' Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines has announced the return of the Spark DSM Minority Business Incubator to support underrepresented small and/or startup businesses at The Market during the 2023 season. The program will continue its goal of improving access and economic growth for local small and minority-owned businesses across Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Market welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors each Saturday, providing program participants with a higher level of visibility.
To participate in the Spark DSM Incubator, a business must be owned, operated and actively managed by one or more persons who fall into one or more of the following categories: historically underrepresented and underserved groups including communities of color, woman, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans or LGBTQ+. Businesses must also sell locally grown/handmade items — no resale or wholesale options will be accepted.
Applicants of the Spark DSM Incubator must also be new to The Market and meet one of the following requirements:
- Have been in business for two to four years.
- Have between $40,000 – $90,000 in demonstrated annual sales.
- Have participated in the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families small business bootcamp.
The Spark DSM Minority Business Incubator is sponsored by Principal and EMC Insurance. Other partners include Evelyn K. Davis Center, Center at Sixth and LadyLike.
Interested parties can apply here. Interested parties can reach out to Megan Renkel, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager at mrenkel@downtowndsmusa.com for more information about how to qualify. Interested vendors can also reach out to Curtis Baugh at gcbaugh@dmacc.edu for more information about the Evelyn K. Davis Bootcamp.
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