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.

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

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

Programs and Events

The Partnership presents several programs and events throughout the year focused on small businesses:

Find other small business and entrepreneurship events on The Partnership Events calendar.

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.

Community Resources

Small business owners in DSM can access numerous resources from community partners, including:

Small Business Resources by Topic

Risk Management for Small Businesses in Greater Des Moines Additional Resources, IT & Data

Read about how small business owners can find innovative security solutions and resolve risk to build a resilient business.

Security Trends for Greater Des Moines (DSM) Businesses IT & Data

Learn about security technology trends for 2024 and how your business can keep up with regulatory changes.

Nonprofit Benefits and Challenges of a Customizable CRM Additional Resources, IT & Data

A new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database can help a business become more efficient.

Register Now for the 2024 Small Business Success Summit 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

Learn how to launch or grow your business at the Small Business Success Summit on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Mitigate the Risks of Online Scams for Your Business IT & Data

See cybersecurity tips on how to protect what you’ve built and continue on the path to small business success.

Small Business Beginner AI Strategies Additional Resources, IT & Data

The AI tips listed below are an integral part of responsibly using AI tools.

Small Businesses and Transaction Processing Innovation IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Greater Des Moines small businesses can utilize transaction processing innovations to encourage consumer engagement.

2024 Small Business Trends — Challenges and Opportunities Additional Resources, IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Small Business Administration outlines five trends for small businesses to consider in 2024.

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.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Modern Technology IT & Data

Addressing ransomware and mitigating data breaches are important to small business cybersecurity efforts.

Creating a Thriving Business with the Right Technology IT & Data

Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses can utilize the right tech to boost productivity, improve security and more.

Pros and Cons of Expanding a Small Business Online IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Your business can grow as your digital footprint grows — through your website, social media pages and more.

TAI Iowa Tech Summit Returns In-Person April 11-12, 2022 Events & Networking, IT & Data

The Technology Association of Iowa looks forward to welcoming more than 600 technology leaders to the region.

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.

How Turning Data into Trends Can Fail IT & Data

Patterns should be established from relevant and informed sources to ensure data is accurate for your client.

How to Protect Your Organization Against Cybersecurity Threats IT & Data

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) outlines resources to prevent ransomware attacks.

DMACC West Campus Celebrates 20 Years in Greater Des Moines (DSM) IT & Data

Anthony (Tony) Paustian reflects on local community college campus' accomplishments and future.

8 Ways to Manage Cybersecurity Attacks IT & Data

Learn how to prepare for and successfully manage cybersecurity attacks for your small business.

Field Time by Viewpoint Retires in 2022 IT & Data

Nobious outlines four things to consider when choosing new software for your small business needs.

April 2021 Public Policy Issue Forum on Broadband IT & Data

Panel discusses rural and urban access to broadband at the April 2021 Public Policy Issue Forum.

2021 Central Iowa Broadband Survey and Study IT & Data

Broadband access in Greater Des Moines' (DSM's) urban core and our rural communities is integral for the future.

2021 Central Iowa Broadband Survey and Study IT & Data

Broadband access in Greater Des Moines' (DSM's) urban core and our rural communities is integral for the future.

Top Five Ways for Small Business to Know Customers with Big Data IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Mike Larkin and Ted Davies explain targeting consumers and utilizing data to find success for your brand.

AI Advertising and Big Data in Marketing IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

People hate to be sold to, but love to buy. Hear the top five ways you can better understand the customer journey.

Faster Fiber Internet in Greater Des Moines (DSM) IT & Data

A new fiber buildout will bring faster internet to Clive, Johnston and Urbandale in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

DSM USA Policy HQ February 2021 Podcast IT & Data

The DSM USA Policy HQ podcast guests discuss connectivity and expanding broadband in Iowa.

Kinseyco Digital Marketing Strategy for COVID-19 Additional Resources, IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Kinseyco lays out five steps for strategic digital marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tips for Small Businesses Struggling with the Effects of COVID-19 Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, IT & Data, Legal

Jeffrey Goetz gives tips to business owners recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Living History Farms DSM Forward Webinar Additional Resources, IT & Data, Staffing & Hiring

Ruth Haus shares event information and COVID-19 precautions for Living History Farms.

New Workplace Webinar for DSM Forward Additional Resources, IT & Data, Staffing & Hiring

Amber M. Lewis and Rich Glass, of Mercer, share thoughts on a collaborative and successful return to the workplace.

Cyber Security Experts Webinar for DSM Forward Additional Resources, IT & Data

Cyber security experts offer recommendations for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reaching Customers Online Through Google IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Use Google tools and resources to reach customers, appear in search results and advertise online.

Driving Business Growth with Data IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Learn how to drive growth in your business using Google Analytics data to bring about results and leads.

Building an Effective Sales Process During COVID-19 Additional Resources, IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Andy Snook describes the importance of developing process maps for your business team.

Davis Brown Law Firm Privacy Compliance and the CARES Act Updates Additional Resources, IT & Data

The Davis Brown Law Firm offers recommendations for businesses during COVID-19.

LightEdge Navigates Social Distancing During COVID-19 Additional Resources, IT & Data, Staffing & Hiring

Michael Hannan offers businesses tips on maintaining employee productivity and securing data during the COVID-19 crisis.

Find Free Cybersecurity Resources Additional Resources, IT & Data

Kara Hoogensen gives tips on where businesses can find free cybersecurity resources.

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.

You've Been Hacked! IT & Data, Legal

John Lande and Bob Hickock discuss data breaches at the Small Business Success Summit.

Top Five Tips for Great Websites IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Uncover five tips and changes for small business owners to consider for their websites.

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.

Disaster Recovery for Small Businesses Additional Resources, How to Start a Business, IT & Data

Learn how to outline the necessary steps to ensure you and your organization are at the ready before, during and after disaster strikes.

Episode 37: FarmlandFinder Brings Real Estate Data to the Midwest IT & Data, Success Stories

Steven Brockshus discusses FarmlandFinder and its tools for potential landowners in episode 37 of the Small Business and Startup Stories DSM podcast.

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.

Guide to Optimizing Your Online Presence Additional Resources, IT & Data, Marketing & Sales

Have you optimized your online presence? Learn to do so effectively with this quick how-to.

Top Five Information Technology Tips for Small Business Success IT & Data

Scott Meeker talks connecting small business to the right professionals for IT issues.

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.