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

Protecting Innovative Ideas in Iowa Legal

McKee, Voorhees & Sease, at the intersection of science and law, betters lives in Iowa and around the world.

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.

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.

Paid Sick Leave Changes Under the American Rescue Plan Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Legal

Learn about expanded paid sick leave and tax credit extensions through the American Rescue Plan of 2021.

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.

An Explanation of COVID-19 Legal Issues for Employers Additional Resources, Legal

Brent Hinders explains five areas of law every Iowa employer should know amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

An HR Professional Reflects on Remote Work During COVID-19 Additional Resources, Legal, Staffing & Hiring

An HR professional shares the challenges of staying in business while adhering to new employment regulations.

A New Iowa Law and PPP Loan Forgiveness Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Legal

Davis Brown Law Firm attorneys explain how a new Iowa law limits COVID-19 litigation and discuss a PPP update.

Employer Resources for Businesses in 2020 Additional Resources, Legal

Davis Brown Law Firm attorneys highlight diversity and inclusion efforts, PPP loans and returning to work.

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.

Back to the Workplace Legal Considerations Webinar Additional Resources, Legal

The Greater Des Moines Partnership led a panel discussion for employer legal considerations post-pandemic.

COVID-19 Landlord Updates Additional Resources, Legal

Davis Brown Law Firm attorneys explain COVID-19 implications and updates critical for Iowa landlords.

COVID-19 Returning to Work Updates Additional Resources, Legal

Davis Brown Law Firm attorneys offer advice for businesses handling abandoned property due to the pandemic.

PPP Loan Benefits and Documentation Additional Resources, Legal

Davis Brown Law Firm attorneys explain COVID-19 updates, including PPP Loan benefits.

Interpreting the Law in a Pandemic with Davis Brown Law Firm Additional Resources, Legal

Attorneys with Davis Brown Law Firm in Greater Des Moines (DSM) outline how to interpret the law in a pandemic.

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.

COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Update Additional Resources, Legal

Iowa Workforce Development's Ryan West offers a look into unemployment benefits during COVID-19.

Handling Contracts Written Prior to COVID-19 Additional Resources, Legal

Corrin Hatala and Laura Wasson of Davis Brown Law Firm discuss contract obligations for businesses.

Tips for Small Business Owners to Respond to Unemployment Filing Additional Resources, Legal

Read five tips on how to respond accurately during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You've Been Hacked! IT & Data, Legal

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

Top Five Ways to Reduce Liability for Small Businesses Legal, Staffing & Hiring

Communication reduces liability and minimizes risk for your small business employees.

Small Business Intellectual Property Legal Terms Legal, Staffing & Hiring

Protect and control intellectual property with patent, trademark and copyright laws.

5 Tips and Tricks to Improve Your HR IQ Legal, Staffing & Hiring

Discover five common HR related challenges that businesses may experience and strategies to avoid those pitfalls.

IRS Feature: Easy Payment Options for Taxpayers Accounting & Taxes, Legal

Learn what options are available during tax season, even if you are unable to pay in full.

Five Employment Law Tips for Small Businesses Legal, Staffing & Hiring

Attorney Kelsey Crosse talks employment law and hiring talent for your small business.

How to Protect Your Business's Intellectual Property Legal, Staffing & Hiring

Attorneys explain ways to protect intellectual property at your small business.

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.

Business Partners and Investors: Steer Clear of Divorce Legal

Research references of potential startup investors and partners to guarantee success.