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

Finance, Banking & Capital

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  • - Venture Capital & Investors
Considering Factors Beyond Price Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Businesses can thrive by considering both price and cost, and developing strategies that explore these differences.
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Global Entrepreneurship Week Events Taking Place in Des Moines  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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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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Small Business Hub — 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 Partnership’s Small Business Hub will further help support local entrepreneurs.
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InnoVenture Iowa Fund | Entrepreneurship in Iowa Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business
$1.8 million and counting is being invested in Iowa startups through the InnoVenture Iowa fund.
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Eide Bailly – Greater Des Moines Partnership Top Five Series Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
Eide Bailly’s Top Five Series event will focus on understanding budgeting and cash flow forecasting.
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Construction Diversity Accelerator – 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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Women Entrepreneurship Day Spotlight on Services Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Women business owners can find tools and resources to navigate their small business journey at Bank of America.
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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 – 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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Investing Process for Startup Businesses Finance, Banking & Capital
Learn the process of investing in startups and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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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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Small Business Boost Initiative in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business
An opportunity for financial coaching and other tools for entrepreneurs is available through the new program.
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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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Propel - Fractional CMO Services Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Learn about spending money to make money with Propel, new subscription-based CMO service.
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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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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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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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Small Business and Startup Stories DSM Podcast Year in Review Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
The Partnership shares a review of the 2021 startup community and an overview for what 2022 will look like.
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Small Business Marketing Strategies That Work Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales
Learn how Greater Des Moines (DSM) small business can market using free services and loans.
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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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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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Investors and Entrepreneurs Navigate Capital During Pandemic Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Hear from an entrepreneur panel and investor panel on navigating capital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Financial Blind Spots When Growing Businesses Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Courtney DeRonde explores five financial blind spots business owners face when growing their businesses.
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ISA Ventures Startup Story Finance, Banking & Capital, Success Stories
Eric Engelmann discusses the start of ISA Ventures and raising capital to help Iowa-based companies grow.
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Top Five For Small Business: Top Five Financial Blind Spots of Growing Businesses Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
This Top Five series will feature experts in human resources, marketing, accounting, IT and others.
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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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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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Investors and Raising Capital for Your Business Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Investors discuss raising and deploying capital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Execution of Raising Capital for Your Business Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Panelists discuss raising and deploying capital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Entrepreneurs and Raising Capital for Your Business Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Entrepreneurs discuss raising and deploying capital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Top Leading in Times of Challenge Podcasts Part Two Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Learn from Greater Des Moines (DSM) leaders during our most listened to Leading in Times of Challenge podcasts.
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Top Podcasts for Leading in Times of Challenge Part One Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Learn from Greater Des Moines (DSM) leaders by listening to the top 10 Leading in Times of Challenge podcasts.
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Including Profit in Your Diversity and Inclusion Program Finance, Banking & Capital
Desmund Adams outlines how to focus on the bottom line while addressing diversity and inclusion efforts.
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Greater Des Moines (DSM) Businesses and Finding the Path Forward Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital, Legal
Industry leaders share insight into how businesses can move forward after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Business Financing Option: The SBA 7(a) Loan Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
The Small Business Administration offers longer-term financing for more flexible purposes through the 7(a) loan.
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Top Ways to Thrive During Economic Uncertainty Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales
Courtney DeRonde outlines the top five ways to manage times of crisis during economic uncertainty.
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Finding the Path Forward for Your Business Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital, Legal
An accountant, banker and attorney share advice for businesses dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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BKD COVID-19 6 Key Considerations Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
BKD offers six key considerations for business leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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PPP Experts Webinar for DSM Forward Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
LWBJ's Dave Hove and Michael Trettin offer PPP information on guidance from the Small Business Association.
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How to Best Utilize the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Nyemaster Goode PC offers insights into the Paycheck Protection Program and how to best maximize loan forgiveness.
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Greater Des Moines Partnership Virtual Investor Briefing Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO Jay Byers leads an Investor briefing on new initiatives and other updates.
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How to Maintain Profitability During Crisis Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Jeff Kappen offers actionable insight into maintaining profitability and stabilizing operations during COVID-19.
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Key Provisions from the CARES Act Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Dave Hove gives insight into the CARES Act, a stimulus bill meant to provide relief for those impacted by COVID-19.
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FFCRA and CARES Act Assist Struggling DSM Businesses Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Davis Brown Law Firm lays out how the FFCRA and CARES Act offer Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses assistance.
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Key Strategic Behaviors Tied to COVID-19 Webinar Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Shannon Welch shares information concerning the six key stages businesses will go through in a crisis like COVID-19.
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Iowa Economic Development Authority COVID-19 Response Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital, Legal
IEDA works with a number of other organizations on developing relief programs for small businesses.
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Breaking Down Options for DSM Small Businesses Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
The Greater Des Moines Partnership breaks down the CARES Act and its options for small businesses.
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Comunity Foundation Activates Disaster Recovery Fund Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines works to meet the demands of the DSM community.
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U.S. SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Now Available in Iowa Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital
Small businesses in Iowa are now eligible for disaster loan assistance related to business loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Set the Foundation for Your Small Business Finances Accounting & Taxes, Finance, Banking & Capital
SCORE has compiled finance and accounting tips to help small business owners succeed.
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Creating a Financial Plan is the Key to Small Business Success Finance, Banking & Capital
The Small Business Association offers insight into financial planning for your startup.
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Raising Capital Using Online Platforms for Startups Finance, Banking & Capital
Mike Colwell, of Square One DSM and Plains Angels talks online platforms for startups.
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Tips and Resources for Finding a Small Business Loan Finance, Banking & Capital
Choose the right small business loan by understanding terms and preparing documents.
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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.
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Tips for Startups Looking to Raise Capital Finance, Banking & Capital
Five tips for finding investors and raising capital at the Raising Capital Seminar.
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Tips for Startups Pitching Investors Finance, Banking & Capital
Dwolla CEO Ben Milne talks pitching investors and raising capital for small businesses.
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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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Understanding the Changing of Ownership in Existing Small Businesses Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business
Entrepreneurs find value in existing small businesses, according to the Small Business Administration.
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Capitalization Table for Small Businesses Finance, Banking & Capital
BrownWinick Partner Joe Leo offers tips for creating the startup capitalization table.
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Due Diligence for Startup Companies Finance, Banking & Capital
c.Results Owner Charise Flynn discusses due diligence best practices for startups.
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Understanding and Maximizing the Fundraising Journey Finance, Banking & Capital
Learning to navigate the fundraising process is the key to startup success.
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Plains Angels Investors in DSM USA Finance, Banking & Capital
Plains Angels investors assist startups in fundraising by investing their own money.
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Dwolla Startup Founder Talks Raising Capital and Inclusion Finance, Banking & Capital, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories
Ben Milne of Dwolla talks about raising capital and creating an inclusive workspace.
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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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Disaster Loan Assistance Finance, Banking & Capital
Learn more about low-interest federal disaster loans available to Greater Des Moines (DSM) and Iowa businesses.
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Raising and Managing Equity Capital Finance, Banking & Capital
Startups succeed when due diligence is done in managing growth after raising capital.
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One-Page Summary for Startups Finance, Banking & Capital
Before you raise capital, create a one-page business summary for potential investors.
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Financial Model Seminar Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business
Learn how to determine the amount of capital you will need and when your company will become profitable.
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Financial Model Seminar Provides Tips and Tactics for Small Business Longevity Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital
Attendees will learn business strategies and how to effectively pitch financials to investors.
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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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Raising Capital Seminar Provides Tips for Startups Finance, Banking & Capital
The annual Raising Capital Seminar offers ideas for raising capital for startups.
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Lessons from the Raising Capital Seminar Finance, Banking & Capital
Three Tips about finding mentors and raising capital from the Raising Capital Seminar.
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Free Tool Assists in Small Business Loan Process Finance, Banking & Capital
Small Business Administration's Lender Match connects small businesses with lenders.
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How Startups Can Raise Capital in the Midwest Finance, Banking & Capital
InvestHER Partner Cayla Weisberg talks raising capital for startups in the Midwest.
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Rocket Referrals' Bootstrapping Success Story Finance, Banking & Capital, Success Stories
Rocket Referrals Co-Founder Torey Maerz discusses bootstrapping in DSM USA.
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Financials for Startup Business Plans Finance, Banking & Capital
The Partnership's Mike Colwell talks forecasted revenue, costs and cash flow for startups.
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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.
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