Business Climate
Highly competitive corporate tax advantages and incentives is just one reason Greater Des Moines (DSM) is an excellent location to expand and grow your business. You'll also find a highly skilled workforce, sustainable infrastructure and low utility rates, a business-friendly state and collaborative local governments. Discover other reasons why DSM’s business climate is one of the best in the country and how you can bring your company’s vision to life here.
Business Retention and Expansion Report
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has released results from its 2024 Regional Existing Industry Report. The report is a compilation of data gathered from 195 company visits in the DSM, using the regional existing industry questionnaire to capture data.
The data provides information about the business climate and can be used to identify trends and develop policy for future economic enhancement.
America's Best Workforce
DSM's workforce is highly educated and productive. According to several national statistics, Iowa continues to have one of highest public high school graduation rates in the nation (Iowa Department of Education). The DSM region boasts strong student scores on the ACT and SAT college entrance exams, which rank among the best in the country. The region's educational attainment is competitive with metros nationwide. More than half of working-age residents (25 to 64) hold an Associate degree or higher (JobsEQ, 2025; 2022 ACS).
Combined with our training incentives and excellent educational institutions, the region's workforce provides a profitable advantage for a business location. Screening, assessment and testing services are offered so that a company can select the right people for new jobs, and training reimbursements allow the company to save valuable dollars to train these workers up front.
Iowa is a Right-to-Work State
Under Iowa law, an employee must not be required to join a union or pay dues or fees to any labor union, association or organization as a condition of employment.
Unemployment Insurance
Iowa has one of the lowest new employer unemployment insurance tax rates in the nation. The 2024 standard new employer rate for all non-construction businesses for a three-year period is 1.00% percent on $39,500 maximum taxable earnings.
Tax Advantages & Incentives
Iowa's corporate income tax laws offer significant advantages when compared to the corporate taxes of other states. Find information on further tax advantages in the state of Iowa to assist in expanding businesses and relocating to our state.
Local Government
The Partnership collaborates with various counties, communities and other partners ready to bring in and collaborate with new business.
Entrepreneurs
The Partnership provides local small businesses with resources that enable growth and prosperity among entrepreneurs.
Major Employers
A selection of the largest employers in the DSM region can be found here.
Infrastructure
DSM is a leader in developing sustainable infrastructure to accommodate the region's rapidly growing business economy.
Transportation
DSM's strong and reliable transportation infrastructure makes the region a prime choice for businesses.