Iowa #9 for Women Owned Businesses

Among all 50 states, Iowa has been ranked the ninth best state for female entrepreneurs by Fit Small Business in 2020. Due to a flourishing biotech and green energy industry, Fit Small Business explains how female entrepreneurs within the science field might seek out the Midwestern state. A low cost of living and a strong female business owner community offer a multitude of opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Iowa to get ahead.

DSM USA Opportunities

The Greater Des Moines Partnership has worked towards creating an environment for female entrepreneurs in Greater Des Moines (DSM) to thrive, encouraging relationship building through local events, as well as investing in female-driven ideas and businesses. Through the initiatives described below, The Partnership staff work to share stories of successful women business owners and seek to grow a robust community for women in the DSM small business startup world.

Startup Stories DSM

The Startup Stories DSM podcast features both men and women business owners sharing their accomplishments and roadblocks along their entrepreneurial journey. With more than 40 episodes, women business owners are highlighted in the series often, discussing what they’ve learned and how they’ve thrived here in DSM.

Fem City

Fem City is curated and created by women for women. Women business owners connect through workshops and other events. The organization boasts more than 150+ members, collaborating on ideas like Flourish: Fund Ideas that Matter. Flourish seeks to provide a space for community investment in ideas that female business owners have to serve customers in the DSM community. The Partnership has been a lead sponsor since its inception, and has had several employees serve on its panel of judges.

Women Lead Change

The Partnership has also been a strong supporter of Women Lead Change, Iowa’s premier leadership organization for women. For many years, The Partnership has sponsored the Central Iowa Conference, an annual event held at the Iowa Events Center, as well as the corresponding CEO forum and, on occasion, other monthly gatherings.

Women’s Mentoring Day

On Women’s Mentoring Day, numerous events are held across the region. These events are dedicated to empowering women to build strong social networks, leadership strengths and support.

While supporting these events and organizations is an essential part of encouraging female business owners, The Partnership has found other ways to be supportive as well. As a company, The Partnership has signed on to the EPIC Corporate Challenge in an effort to increase female leadership within member organizations, while also intentionally seeking out opportunities to have female board/committee members, presenters, etc. For those entrepreneurs who are working to network and collaborate at Partnership-led events, items are kept at the front desk for children who need to accompany mom or dad.

The Partnership will continue to find ways to support women in business, whether that be through mentoring opportunities, networking or leadership events. No matter the industry, it is important to lift women up. When we do, the entire community benefits.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.