Small Business Resources

The Greater Des Moines Partnership offers the tools you need to help grow your small business or startup. From online resources on topics like how to start a business, finance, banking and capital, marketing, hiring and events for small business, The Hub is here to help. For more information, contact The Partnership’s small business and startup experts.

Raising Capital Seminar Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
Learn how to successfully secure equity funding for your startup business' growth from Greater Des Moines (DSM) experts.
Read More
Meet the Buyers Events & Networking
Begin or expand your small business by connecting with purchasing decision makers from some of DSM USAs larger employers.
Read More
Internships 101 Guide Staffing & Hiring
Learn how to recruit, hire and manage interns to ensure your small business finds success.
Read More
Hiring a Diverse Workforce for Small Businesses Staffing & Hiring
An inclusive culture offers HR an advantage to finding and hiring diverse employees.
Read More
Makusafe Platform Leads to Improved Worker Safety Success Stories
Gabe Glynn explains how Makusafe technology and data successfully make workplaces safer.
Read More
Supporting Managers in Small Businesses and Startups Staffing & Hiring
Encouraging new managers starts with selecting the right manager from the beginning.
Read More
Spring Cleaning Tips for Small Businesses How to Start a Business
Assess marketing options and evaluate inventory to ready your small business for summer.
Read More
Employee Perks Lead to Small Business Hiring Success Staffing & Hiring
Employee perks offer small businesses a preferred way to attract and retain employees.
Read More
Protect and Manage Your Small Business Online Brand IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Learn how to monitor your small business brand online through reviews and social media.
Read More
Olson Larsen Galleries Small Business Success Story Success Stories
Susan Watts explains how she transitioned from manager to owner of DSM USA art gallery.
Read More
Female Small Business Owners Find Support and Success in DSM USA How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Services grow for female business owners looking to start a business or expand one.
Read More
Due Diligence for Startup Companies Finance, Banking & Capital
c.Results Owner Charise Flynn discusses due diligence best practices for startups.
Read More
Top Five Ways to Entice Talent to Small Businesses Staffing & Hiring
Anne Barry of Aureon explains how to entice the right talent for your small business.
Read More
Five Employment Law Tips for Small Businesses Legal, Staffing & Hiring
Attorney Kelsey Crosse talks employment law and hiring talent for your small business.
Read More
How to Tell Your Story to Investors Finance, Banking & Capital
c.Results Owner Charise Flynn explains how to tell your story to successfully raise capital from investors.
Read More
Dwolla's Startup Success Story Success Stories
Dwolla's Ben Milne discusses closing deals and pitching your startup to large companies.
Read More
A Conversation with Adore Your Walls Success Stories
Liz Lidgett talks about her art advisory service focused on style, space and budget.
Read More
Travel Insurance Startup Pablow Finds Success in DSM USA Success Stories
Steve and Des Sherlock find support for Pablow through Global Insurance Accelerator.
Read More
Capitalization Table for Small Businesses Finance, Banking & Capital
BrownWinick Partner Joe Leo offers tips for creating the startup capitalization table.
Read More
WorkHound's Startup Success Story Success Stories
Andrew Kirpalani of WorkHound talks starting a driver retention and referral startup.
Read More
Become a Small Business Owner by Starting a Franchise How to Start a Business
A franchise has a high rate of success and is a way to start your own small business.
Read More
Velorosa Startup Sells High Performance Cycling Gear to DSM USA Success Stories
Velorosa founders discuss growing the cycling apparel startup and selling at RAGBRAI.
Read More
Raising Capital Seminar Provides Tips for Startups Finance, Banking & Capital
The annual Raising Capital Seminar offers ideas for raising capital for startups.
Read More
ClusterFlunk Startup Story Success Stories
ClusterFlunk creates easier peer-to-peer communication between students in the same classes.
Read More
Rational Surgical Solutions' Startup Success Story Success Stories
As a doctor, the RSS Founder was unsure about the product, but knew the solution he was after.
Read More
Rocket Referrals: An Insurance Industry Startup Success Story Success Stories
Startup Rocket Referrals has found success thanks to tech innovation and communication.
Read More
Look Local First in DSM Additional Resources, How to Start a Business
Learn how to support local startups and small businesses within the DSM USA community.
Read More
Workplace Wellness Resources How to Start a Business
Download easy-to-use toolkits and other resources to support employee workplace wellness.
Read More
Stories of Starting Up from Charise Flynn Success Stories
Charise Flynn, former COO at Dwolla and Founder of c.Results, shares tips for startups.
Read More
Startup Success Story: FunnelWise Success Stories
FunnelWise startup founder discusses leveraging data through full-funnel intelligence.
Read More
PowerPollen Improves Cross Pollination of Corn Success Stories
Todd Krone and Jason Cope of startup PowerPollen discuss creating yield technology.
Read More
Startup Hatchlings Becomes Gaming Success Story Success Stories
Brad Dwyer explains how Hatchlings found success and led to the development of new apps.
Read More
DSM USA Career Center: Access Job Seekers Staffing & Hiring
Fulfill your Small Business staffing needs, as well as post internship opportunities.
Read More
Plains Angels Investors in DSM USA Finance, Banking & Capital
Plains Angels investors assist startups in fundraising by investing their own money.
Read More
A Conversation with HomeDitty Success Stories
Katie Byers of HomeDitty discusses her passion for house concerts to benefit musicians.
Read More
Primary Source's Success Story Success Stories
Mary Anne Kennedy of Primary Source shares her small business success story.
Read More
Preservation Small Business Success Story Success Stories
Nicole Lorenson of PRESERVATION explains her lifestyle small business and photo studio.
Read More
Club B-FIT's Small Business Success Story Success Stories
Jen Bramble of Club B-FIT explains her small business and its alternative fitness focus.
Read More
Small Business Success Story: Life Coaching Success Stories
Beth Montpas of Life Coaching is an expert in sales, business and life coach for women.
Read More
HomeDitty's Startup Success Story Success Stories
HomeDitty connects undiscovered artists with people who host live music in their homes.
Read More
Small Business Success Story: Sticks Success Stories
Rachel Eubank of Sticks discusses her passion for art and developing the Sticks brand.
Read More
Trixie's Salon Small Business Success Story Success Stories
Tricia Rivas talks about starting Trixie's Salon and the Dreamcatchers Foundation.
Read More
Certintell Telehealth's Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories
Ben Lefever, founder of Certintell Telehealth, shares his success story as a startup.
Read More
Hatchlings Startup Success Story Success Stories
Hatchlings, Inc., is a popular Facebook game known as "The Worldwide Easter Egg Hunt."
Read More
Higher Learning Technologies Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories
HLT co-founder shares startup's steps to success in various mobile solutions markets.
Read More
Happy Medium Startup Success Story Success Stories
Happy Medium, a full-service marketing firm, includes digital and traditional services.
Read More
Men's Style Lab's Startup Story Success Stories
Derian Baugh of Men's Style Lab explains his online clothing service startup story.
Read More
TelePharm Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories
TelePharm's Founder Roby Miller discusses the billion-dollar pharmacy software startup.
Read More
Rocket Referrals Startup Success Story Success Stories
Founders of Rocket Referrals explain keeping clients engaged and growing referrals.
Read More
Adore Your Walls Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories
Founders of Adore Your Walls talk about the art advisory service that connects people to art they'll love.
Read More
How to Protect Your Business's Intellectual Property Legal, Staffing & Hiring
Attorneys explain ways to protect intellectual property at your small business.
Read More
The Great Frame Up's Small Business Success Story Success Stories
The Great Frame Up founder shares passion for art and her small business success story.
Read More
Schabel Solutions' Small Business Success Story Success Stories
Claudia Schabel shares insight on transition from corporate business to startup owner.
Read More
Ivory House Photography's Small Business Success Story Success Stories
Whitney Warne of Ivory House Photography shares her small business success story.
Read More
Akili Design's Small Business Success Story Success Stories
Leng Vong Reiff of Akili Design talks starting her marketing services small business.
Read More
Things to Know About QuickBooks for Small Businesses Accounting & Taxes
QuickBooks is the most widely used accounting software for small businesses owners.
Read More
Financing Small Business Basics Accounting & Taxes
For both new and existing small business owners, financing is essential to later success.
Read More
What Drives Millennipreneurs to Startup Success Staffing & Hiring
Millennials support small businesses and look to start their own and find success.
Read More
Top Five Tips for Great Websites IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Uncover five tips and changes for small business owners to consider for their websites.
Read More
Top Five Ways Tax Reform Will Affect Small Businesses Accounting & Taxes
Rob Poterucha of McGowen, Hurst, Clark and Smith, P.C. explains the new tax bill.
Read More
Tips for Preparing for Small Business Saturday Success
Look for customizable marketing materials and adjust store hours accordingly to prepare.
Read More
Top Five Ways to Reduce Liability for Small Businesses Legal, Staffing & Hiring
Communication reduces liability and minimizes risk for your small business employees.
Read More
Five Ways to Find Your Sweet Spot Customer Marketing & Sales
Connie Anderson explains how startups create growth by finding their sweet spot customer.
Read More
Top Five Accounting and Tax Tips for Small Business Success Accounting & Taxes
Jonathan Porter explains his top accounting and taxation ideas for small businesses.
Read More
Top Five Employment Law Tips for Small Business Success Legal, Staffing & Hiring
Jaki Samuelson talks avoiding legal claims and offers advice for small business success.
Read More
Top Five Information Technology Tips for Small Business Success IT & Data
Scott Meeker talks connecting small business to the right professionals for IT issues.
Read More
Top Five Marketing and Sales Tips for Small Business Success Marketing & Sales
Tiffany Tokarz explains marketing and sales tips to increase small business success.
Read More
Pitchly Founder Discusses Success Raising Equity Capital Success Stories
Pitchly founder discusses pitching to investors and helping startups raise capital.
Read More
Lil' Sidekick Founder Finds Worldwide Success Success Stories
Amy Vohs of Lil' Sidekick speaks about the technology behind her tether tool for moms.
Read More
Crème Cupcake Turns a Simple Idea into a Startup Success Success Stories
Crème's Christina Moffatt shares her experience as a female business owner in DSM USA.
Read More
Iowa AgriTech Accelerator Gains Innovative Startup Founder Success Stories
Megan Vollstedt explains how running a startup led her to Iowa's AgriTech Accelerator.
Read More
Dwolla Startup Founder Talks Raising Capital and Inclusion Finance, Banking & Capital, Staffing & Hiring
Ben Milne of Dwolla talks about raising capital and creating an inclusive workspace.
Read More
VolunteerLocal President Kaylee Williams Tells Startup Journey Success Stories
Kaylee Williams of VolunteerLocal talks being a female business owner in DSM USA.
Read More
Startup FarrPro Offers Innovation in the Hog Industry Success Stories
Amos Petersen explains how startup FarrPro creates solutions for the swine industry.
Read More
Top Five Employment Policies for Small Business Success Staffing & Hiring
Scott Gire discusses employment law and explains legal policies for small businesses.
Read More
Business Partners and Investors: Steer Clear of Divorce Legal
Research references of potential startup investors and partners to guarantee success.
Read More
Tips for Startups Looking to Raise Capital Finance, Banking & Capital
Five tips for finding investors and raising capital at the Raising Capital Seminar.
Read More
Startup Adore Your Walls Finds Success in DSM USA Success Stories
Liz Lidgett of Adore Your Walls discusses becoming a female startup business owner in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
Read More
Large Scale Startup PowerPollen' Technology Success in DSM USA Success Stories
Founder Jason Cope explains how improving cross pollination increased profitability.
Read More
Startup Terva Finds Startup Success in DSM USA Success Stories
Steven Brockshus of Terva discusses owning a startup business in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
Read More
House Concert Startup Success Story: HomeDitty Success Stories
Katie Byers shares how her passion for live music turned into a successful startup.
Read More
Female-Owned Business StemBox a STEM Startup Success Story Success Stories
Kina McAllister grows StemBox into a successful startup after moving to DSM USA.
Read More
Five Steps for Embracing Artificial Intelligence in DSM USA Success Stories
Mike Colwell calls artificial intelligence the great equalizer of the startup world.
Read More
Lessons from the Raising Capital Seminar Finance, Banking & Capital
Three Tips about finding mentors and raising capital from the Raising Capital Seminar.
Read More
Why Marketing Should Focus on Customer Acquisition Costs Marketing & Sales
Learn more about the price of customer acquisition costs for startup business owners.
Read More
Startups Thrive with the Right Mentors
Accelerate startup growth through networking and connecting with potential mentors.
Read More
Lil' Sidekick Tether Idea Leads to Startup Business Success Success Stories
Lil' Sidekick founder grows startup in DSM USA; succeeds as a female business owner.
Read More
Free Tool Assists in Small Business Loan Process Finance, Banking & Capital
Small Business Administration's Lender Match connects small businesses with lenders.
Read More
Innovative Benefit Leads to Top Talent for DSM USA Small Business Staffing & Hiring
Nonprofit vies for top employees with innovative benefit: paying down student debt.
Read More
Breaking Down the Family-Owned Small Business Succession Planning
Family-owned small businesses navigate succession planning and overcome challenges.
Read More
Top Five Marketing and Sales Apps for Small Business Owners IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Apps help small businesses gather data, increase workflow and manage operational tasks.
Read More
Tips and Resources for Finding a Small Business Loan Finance, Banking & Capital
Choose the right small business loan by understanding terms and preparing documents.
Read More
s2e Offers Internship Opportunities to DSM USA Students Staffing & Hiring
The s2e initiative connects students to employers to increase job awareness and skills.
Read More
Mentor Impact on Small Businesses How to Start a Business
Business owners agree that mentors play a significant role on their small businesses.
Read More
Free Guide for Setting Up Small Business Internship Programs Staffing & Hiring
The Internships 101 Toolkit is a free tool for DSM USA startups and small businesses.
Read More
Find Small Business Success into the Spring Season How to Start a Business
After the holiday season, reboot your small business with these simple tips for success.
Read More
Small Business Succession Plans Ensure Future Success Succession Planning
Plan for unforeseen circumstances or retirement by identifying the right successor.
Read More
Top Five Ways to Minimize Small Business Data Threats IT & Data
Implementing a cybersecurity policy is one way to combat IT and data security threats.
Read More
Small Business Owner Finds Support in DSM USA Success Stories
Katie Fergus, of FinanSynergy and PractiSynergy, talks opportunity and resources in DSM.
Read More
Nationwide Resource Partners Assist Small Business Owners
Research partners guide small businesses to success through mentoring and training.
Read More
Top Five Ways Employee Strengths Help Small Businesses Staffing & Hiring
When employers "think like a leader" and "communicate clearly," success often follows.
Read More
Develop a Strong Business Plan for Your Small Business How to Start a Business
Executive summaries and market analysis are essential elements of strong business plans.
Read More
TV Show Investigates Growing Small Businesses in DSM USA Success Stories
"Ambitious Adventures" questions restaurant owner about DSM small business community.
Read More
DSM USA Community Support Vital to Small Businesses How to Start a Business
Finding small business success in DSM depends on collaboration and experienced experts.
Read More
Small Businesses: Stay a Sole Proprietorship or Incorporate? How to Start a Business
Incorporating or forming an LLC can lead to larger contracts and capital opportunities.
Read More
AgTech Startup Power Pollen's Startup Success Story Success Stories
PowerPollen's startup technology leads to high productivity in seed and grain production.
Read More
Structurely's Startup Success Story Success Stories
Structurely startup co-founders discuss artificial intelligence for real estate agents.
Read More
Startup Success Story: WinPro Success Stories
WinPro's Bill Bernardo hopes to ease active dog inflammation through building immunity.
Read More
Startup Success Story: Workhound Success Stories
WorkHound founders solve driver turnover with a digital employee engagement platform.
Read More
Top Five Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate How to Start a Business
When making a commercial real estate decision, identify the right questions to find your future location.
Read More
Small Business Trends in Hiring and Staffing Staffing & Hiring
From game-changing tech to diversity initiatives, small businesses embrace change in HR.
Read More
Small Business Intellectual Property Legal Terms Legal, Staffing & Hiring
Protect and control intellectual property with patent, trademark and copyright laws.
Read More
Learn How to Create a Web Presence for Your Small Business How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales
A website and social media presence are vital to marketing your small business online.
Read More
Sales Funnel Management for Startups and Small Businesses Marketing & Sales
FunnelWise Vice President discusses accelerating sales through sales funnel management.
Read More
How Startups Can Raise Capital in the Midwest Finance, Banking & Capital
InvestHER Partner Cayla Weisberg talks raising capital for startups in the Midwest.
Read More
Startup Story Check-in: AgriSync Success Stories
AgTech startup AgriSync finds a solution for the ag industry by providing support for farmers.
Read More
AgriSync AgTech Startup Success Story Success Stories
Founder Casey Niemann left Microsoft to form AgTech customer service startup AgriSync.
Read More
iEmergent Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories
Mortgage MarketSmart founders speak on startup challenges and the sales cycle.
Read More
Social Media Marketing for Startups and Small Businesses Marketing & Sales
DSM USA experts talk social media marketing strategy for small businesses and startups.
Read More
Remote Sales Calls for Startups and Small Businesses Marketing & Sales
Fastpath founder discusses the anatomy of a remote sales call and how it will lead to success.
Read More
Accelerating Sales Through Channel Management Marketing & Sales
AgriSync Founder discusses leveraging word-of-mouth and accelerating sales through channel management.
Read More
Selling the Invisible Book Offers Small Businesses Marketing Advice Marketing & Sales
McLellan Marketing Group CEO speaks on crafting marketing messages for customers.
Read More
Startup Success Story: SmartyPig Success Stories
Founder Michael Ferrari's startup SmartyPig grew to $3 billion in transactions quickly.
Read More
Lil Sidekick's Startup Success Story Success Stories
Lil Sidekick Founder discusses how she brought her new product to the retail market.
Read More
MakuSafe's Startup Success Story Success Stories
Gabe Glynn, Founder of MakuSafe, anticipates next steps for his DSM hardware startup.
Read More
Startup Success Story: Drive Spotter Success Stories
Drive Spotter is a video analytics platform for railroad and transportation industries.
Read More
Startup Story: Dorothy's House Success Stories
Dorothy's House offers care in a secure environment for victims of human trafficking.
Read More
Catchwind's Startup Success Story Success Stories
Catchwind Founder Brian Hemesath shares his journey and discusses tips for startups.
Read More
Startup Story Check-in: Hatchlings Success Stories
Hatchlings, "The Worldwide Easter Egg Hunt," hit a peak of 200 million pageviews/month.
Read More
Rocket Referrals' Bootstrapping Success Story Finance, Banking & Capital, Success Stories
Rocket Referrals Co-Founder Torey Maerz discusses bootstrapping in DSM USA.
Read More
Financials for Startup Business Plans Finance, Banking & Capital
The Partnership's Mike Colwell talks forecasted revenue, costs and cash flow for startups.
Read More
How a Startup Finds the Right Number of Investors Finance, Banking & Capital
Dwolla CEO Ben Milne explains startup success through the right number of investors.
Read More
One-Page Summary for Startups Finance, Banking & Capital
Before you raise capital, create a one-page business summary for potential investors.
Read More
Raising Capital Using Online Platforms for Startups Finance, Banking & Capital
Mike Colwell, of Square One DSM and Plains Angels talks online platforms for startups.
Read More
Tips for Startups Pitching Investors Finance, Banking & Capital
Dwolla CEO Ben Milne talks pitching investors and raising capital for small businesses.
Read More
Raising and Managing Equity Capital Finance, Banking & Capital
Startups succeed when due diligence is done in managing growth after raising capital.
Read More