Small Business and Startup 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 Partnership is here to help.

Connect with Resource Partners 

The DSM community has a wide range of organizations that can serve as resource partners for small businesses and startup companies to grow their business. See this Resource Compass in the DSM Small Business Hub to find information on potential resources across the region. 

Connect with Resources

Get Business Counseling

Is your small business looking for advice on how to get to the next level? Fill out this form on the DSM Small Business Hub to request assistance through The Partnership’s network.  

Get Business Counseling

Community Resources

The Partnership also offers the following services and additional resources for small businesses:

For more information, contact The Partnership’s small business and startup experts.   

Small Business Resources Newsletter

Learn more about small business and startup resources available through The Partnership, as well as events and news to help grow your business. Sign up for the Small Business Resources Newsletter.

Startup Stories DSM Podcast

Get inspired by listening to success stories from local small businesses and startups on the Startup Stories DSM podcast series.

Small Business Resources by Topic

Celebrate 515 Day in Greater Des Moines (DSM) on May 15, 2024 Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Help us honor and support Greater Des Moines' (DSM's) small businesses on 515 Day.
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Attend the 2024 CEO Panel in Urbandale, Iowa Additional Resources, Events & Networking
The 2024 CEO Panel will host Leaders from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, Raccoon Valley Bank and more.
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Iowa, Workplaces and the Obesity Epidemic Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Iowaā€™s obesity crisis is impacting those with the chronic disease and the stateā€™s workplaces.
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Local Entrepreneur Resources and Support Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Become a confident entrepreneur and build a stronger business through resources available in Greater Des Moines.
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The Athene Black and Brown Business Summit offers a richness of diversity in entrepreneurship for all industries.
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Donā€™t miss the Disadvantaged Business Entities webinar on participating in the new terminal project.
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In-District Congressional Event with U.S. Representative Nunn Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Topics included housing, water infrastructure, talent recruitment and retention, child care & grant opportunities.
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Global Entrepreneurship Week Events Taking Place in Des MoinesĀ  Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
Local entrepreneurs can level up their skills by participating in Global Entrepreneurship Week events.
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2023 Scale DSM Participants Q+A Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
Perlla Deluca and Nizigiyimana Danifodi are participating in the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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Turner Construction Company wants to connect with diverse Iowa businesses to build networks strengthen small businesses.
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Wrongful Termination Allegations in the Workplace Additional Resources, Events & Networking
As an employer, professional advice from an attorney and organized policies can assist with employment issues.
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2023 Future World of Work Summit Opportunities Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Learn how employers and educators can adapt and thrive in the work and learning ecosystems of tomorrow.
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Discover the excitement at the West Des Moines Chamber's Regional Rush Hour Event Hosted by First National Bank!
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Hear what Local Business School is like and how it helped this small business in Greater Des Moines.
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Successful Sales Strategies for Startups and Small Businesses Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Sales strategies involve identifying the players, planning points of progress and more.
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Attend the Beyond Business Conference on Thursday, Sept. 14 to connect with other women ā€” business owner or not!
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Small Business Fall Event Roundup Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales
Check out the events happening in September, October and November for small business owners in Greater Des Moines.
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OctPRfest 2023 in West Des Moines, Iowa Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
PRSA Iowa is offering Greater Des Moines Partnership Members a discounted entry to the event.
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Small Business Hub ā€” Resource Compass and Business Counseling Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, IT & Data, Legal, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories, Succession Planning
Additions to the Greater Des Moines Partnershipā€™s Small Business Hub will further help support local entrepreneurs.
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Melissa Ness will share a 10-point blueprint for leadership including ideas and actions to implement.
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Since 2015, the Global Insurance Accelerator is responsible for graduating 65 early-stage startups through its 100-day program.
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Upcoming events and programs reinforce DSM's commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming region for all.
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The Top 5 Killers of Productivity in Your Business Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Hear strategies for building growth and success in a productive work environment.
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More than 175 Greater Des Moines stakeholders advocated for the 2023 Federal Legislative Agenda priorities.
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Top Five for Small Business Strategies to Recruit + Retain Talent Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Panelists will discuss talent attraction and retention policies in the workplace.
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Putting People First in the Workplace Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
The employee experience means training, caring, investing in and supporting employees more than ever before.
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Attend local networking events, ribbon cuttings or the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit this week!
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The Greater Des Moines Partnership will lead the annual trip to Washington, D.C.
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https://www.dsmpartnership.com/news-media/blog/musical-artist-lani-joins-mainframe-studios-makes-a-name-for-herself-in-dsm
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The Weitz Company Downtown Des Moines Skywalk Scavenger Hunt Additional Resources, Events & Networking
The Weitz Company employees focus on teamwork with events like the Des Moines Skywalk Scavenger Hunt.
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An artist panel, pitch competition and keynote speakers offer tips for small business owners in Greater Des Moines.
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Joy Hankins connected to the DSM community through the Incubator Program after starting her business in 2021.
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2023 National Entrepreneurship Week ā€“ Partnership Resources Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Success Stories
As an entrepreneur, the Greater Des Moines Partnershipā€™s resources will help elevate your mindset and small business.
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Master Your Tax Strategy ā€“ February 2023 Top Five Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking
Understanding individual and business tax items will help you make the right long-term business decisions.
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Eide Bailly ā€“ Greater Des Moines Partnership Top Five Series Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
Eide Baillyā€™s Top Five Series event will focus on understanding budgeting and cash flow forecasting.
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Construction Diversity Accelerator ā€“ Free, Five-Week Program Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
Applications for the Construction Diversity Accelerator are due by Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.
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Scale DSM Q+A with Minority Small Business Owners Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
Lilly Okech, Isabel Contreras and Monica Reyes are participating in the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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Sales for Startups Workshop ā€“ Greater Des Moines Partnership Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
The Sales for Startups Workshop will welcome featured speakers Andrew Kirpalani, Brad Williams and Mollie Bodensteiner.
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Ramin Toloui of the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs meets with DSM business and community leaders.
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Local Business School ā€“ Winter 2022 Session Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Entrepreneurs will level up digital marketing skills and determine key strategies to implement in the new year.
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Attend the first Future World of Work Summit on Monday, Oct. 24 to hear from Talloā€™s Casey Welch.
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Attend the first Future World of Work Summit on Monday, Oct. 24 to hear from Lumina Foundationā€™s Kermit Kaleba.
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Business Uses Downtown Des Moines (DSM) Location to Connect Its Employees Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
F&G brings energy to the workplace through Connection Week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).
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Staying Positive in a Negative World and Work Environment Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Michele Matt shares the benefits of a positive attitude in the workplace.
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2022 Golden Circle College and Career Fair Exhibitor Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Exhibitors at the Golden Circle College and Career Fair can engage students and promote their job opportunities.
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2022 Scale DSM Participants Q+A Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
Latha Kumar, Shelana Laing and Andres Rodriguez are participating in the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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Flourish: Fund Ideas That Matter - Year 4 Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Success Stories
Attend Flourish: Fund Ideas That Matter to vote for women-owned businesses in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Create Memorable Marketing and Develop an Authentic Brand Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Lisa Even shares the top ways to create memorable marketing for your small business.
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2022 Public Policy Issue Forum on Infrastructure Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Staffing & Hiring
Learn about the impact of supply chain issues, inflation and talent shortages Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses are facing.
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The Ruan Center works hard to create meaningful connections at two to three building events per month.
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Golden Openings Owner Kimberly Baeth is awarded the Iowa Small Business Person of the Year Award.
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BrokerTech Ventures created an experience for BTV Mania guests that allowed for a productive business week.
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Scale DSM Q+A - Bernard Johnson Events & Networking, How to Start a Business
Bernard Johnson answers questions about the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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Opportunities for Small Business Owners in DSM Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales
Learn about volunteering with SCORE and taking advantage of local business classes at DMACC.
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2022 Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator Applications Open Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales
Apply now for the inaugural cohort of the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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Top Five Tips to Retain and Attract Top Talent Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Consultant Ronee Andersen shares five tips for small businesses looking to attract and retain top employees.
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2022 PI515 Girls' Entrepreneurship Summit Ceremony Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Learn more about empowering female entrepreneurs in Iowa through the Girls' Entrepreneurship Summit.
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Attend a Launch Party to celebrate the addition of Cloud Managed Services at Zirous.
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The Technology Association of Iowa looks forward to welcoming more than 600 technology leaders to the region.
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Trip attendees and elected officials will use the Federal Policy Agenda to advocate for regional priorities.
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Meta Boost in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Learn tips and tricks for building your online presence and engaging with the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community.
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2022 Small Business Success Summit Keynote Takeaways Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, IT & Data, Legal, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories, Succession Planning
Nick Sarillo and Dima Ghawi offered advice to small business owners during the 2022 Small Business Success Summit.
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What Business Owners Need to Know When You Don't Have HR Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Learn about hiring employees aligning HR with your overall business strategy at this Top Five event.
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Apply to Red Rock StartUP! by March 9, 2022 Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
Complete the online entry form or submit a four-minute video pitching your business.
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Tracking Your Small Business Finances in 2022 Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business
Iowa Center for Economic Success will help your small business be "always ready."
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Courtney DeRonde Top Five Webinar January 2022 Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Courtney DeRonde shares how to boost productivity to achieve your goals in 2022.
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Courtney DeRonde January 2022 Top Five for Small Business Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Courtney DeRonde shares about the Full Focus Planner Program ahead of the first Top Five event of 2022.
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Small Business Administration Tips for Small Businesses in 2022 Events & Networking, How to Start a Business
The Small Business Administration offers free online courses to help you launch and grow your business in 2022.
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With the launch of CultivoT Virtual Academy, global innovators have an opportunity to grow ag startups in Iowa.
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Greater Des Moines (DSM) Leaders Reflect on Mentoring Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Learn how mentoring impacted Greater Des Moines (DSM) leaders Annie Brandt and Renee Hardman.
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Starting a Business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) in 2022 Events & Networking, How to Start a Business
Learn some tips and find resources on starting a business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) in 2022.
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DSM Business Leaders Attend 2021 Inclusion Summit Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Business leaders in Greater Des Moines (DSM) learn about building an equitable culture in the community.
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Disability Inclusive Workplaces with Becky Curran Kekula Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Becky Curran Kekula outlines how small businesses can make an impact with disability inclusive strategies.
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The Greater Des Moines Partnership highlighted its featured priorities in Washington, D.C. last month.
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2021 Iowa Summit on Disability Employment in DSM Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Business leaders came together at the 2021 Iowa Summit to discuss disability employment programs.
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Greater Des Moines (DSM) Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Greater Des Moines Partnership Board Chair Fred Buie shares his thoughts on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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Top Five Documents in Your Employee Personnel Files Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Hopkins & Huebner shares five steps to create a marketing plan for your Greater Des Moines (DSM) business.
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Greater Des Moines (DSM) to Advocate with One Voice at DMDC 2021 Additional Resources, Events & Networking
DMDC 2021 will focus on advancing our federal policy agenda and five featured priorities.
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Seven 2021 Global Insurance Symposium Lessons Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Jason W. Gross shares seven lessons for leaders that can be applied across various industries.
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Tips for Improving Cash Flow for Your Small Business Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
Eric Ryan offers strategies for improving cash flow and identifying long- and short-term cash needs.
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Developing Refugee Youth in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories
Pi515 is working to create innovative and empowered youth for eventual hire in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Summer Startup Tour Events & Networking
Summer Startup Tour is a month-long series of free events to welcome DSM's entrepreneurs, creators and makers back to the community.
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El Fogon in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Success Stories
El Fogon opens in West Glen Town Center during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Workplace Handshake and the Future of Greetings Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Deborah Rinner shares her thoughts on the workplace handshake as the world returns to work post-pandemic.
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Mastering Your Time Through Small Changes Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Learn to master your time in the days and weeks ahead with these five key ideas.
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Returning Citizens to the Workforce Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
The Untapped Talent series highlights returning citizens to the workforce during reentry awareness month.
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Tej Dhawan Ben Milne DSM Reflect on Startup Community Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
Tej Dhawan and Ben Milne join Mike Colwell to discuss the Greater Des Moines startup community from 2010 to now.
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Black and Brown Business Summit in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Events & Networking, How to Start a Business
The Summit seeks to position Iowa as the best place in the nation to start a minority business.
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Amy Nebons of Blink Events and BOCS DSM Startup Story Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Success Stories
Amy Nebons describes her journey into entrepreneurship with Blink Events and BOCS DSM in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Leadership Training Through the DSM Fellowship Program Additional Resources, Events & Networking
The DSM Fellowship Program offers the chance to grow in leadership through virtual options and diversity training.
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This Top Five series will feature experts in human resources, marketing, accounting, IT and others.
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Alex Battani shares why Foster Group employee enthusiasm is strong when it comes to the Des Moines Corporate Games.
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SHAZAM Urges Businesses to Attend Future DMDC Events Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Dan Kramer shares how this year's virtual DMDC event engaged attendees through timely programming.
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2020 Des Moines Corporate Games Registration Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Learn why registering for the 2020 Des Moines Corporate Games is a great opportunity for your business.
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Opportunities for Agtech Entrepreneurs Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
The 2020 Iowa AgriTech Accelerator delivers results in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Employees with Disabilities in the Workplace Events & Networking, Staffing & Hiring
Michelle Krefft will explain how disability-friendly workplaces set your business apart at upcoming virtual event.
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Attend the 2020 Raising Capital Seminar Series Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business
The process of raising funds to take your business to the next level is as simple as registering now.
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Learn how to prevent, detect and respond to health risks at meetings and events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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BKD Nonprofit Leadership Series in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Nick Callison shares the BKD CPAs & Advisors event lineup for the Des Moines Nonprofit Leadership Series in 2020.
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Supporting Live Music Amid COVID-19 with DSM Startup HomeDitty Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Katie Byers explains ways to support local artists through virtual house concerts with HomeDitty.
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Tips and Fundamentals of Successful Virtual Conferences Additional Resources, Events & Networking, IT & Data
Mike Colwell explains keeping your audience engaged through focus on technical, presentation and speakers.
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Working at Home During COVID-19 Pandemic Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
EventBank's Eric L. Schmidt explains how Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses can adapt to work at home.
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Work-From-Home Tips for Businesses Practicing Social Distancing Additional Resources, Events & Networking
A long-time Work-From-Home professional in Greater Des Moines (DSM) gives 10 tips for successful teleworking.
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Research partners guide small businesses to success through mentoring and training.
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Discover five surprisingly simple, easy-to-remember steps for highly effective self-promotion in this Top Five Series.
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Episode 27: Monetery Recap and Workplace Culture with Ben Milne Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Success Stories
Ben Milne, Founder of Dwolla, discusses the success of the company's new event, Monetery, and the importance of creating an inclusive workplace.
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Startups Thrive with the Right Mentors Additional Resources, Events & Networking
Accelerate startup growth through networking and connecting with potential mentors.
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LenderClose and the Importance of Building Your Network Events & Networking, Success Stories
LenderClose Founder and CEO, Omar Jordan, discusses the importance of networking when starting a business.
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Time is Money: How Networking is Worth Its Weight in Gold Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
By today's standards, time is money - manage it well and it will lead to profit. Networking is the key to maximizing each second.
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Find Success in Growing Retail Through Events and Collaboration Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Art Terrarium holds several Downtown DSM events each month to give customers a fun retail experience.
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The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOSĀ®) combines timeless principles with real-world tools.
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Learn how to break out of any business rut at the 2019 Central Iowa Business Conference in DSM USA.
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Attendees will learn business strategies and how to effectively pitch financials to investors.
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Small Business Success Summit Events & Networking
Network, establish strategic partnerships and hear from renowned industry leaders at the premier business conference in the Midwest!
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First Fridays is for aspiring entrepreneurs and people of Greater Des Moines (DSM) to hear from business owners shaping our community.
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We all know that breakfast fuels your body, but what if it could fuel your business? Network with other business leaders over a delicious breakfast.
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Eat, drink, and play along the beautiful Riverwalk Downtown beneath the summer comfort of The Canopy at the Brenton Skating Plaza.
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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.
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