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

Success Stories

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Hear about Garrison Goodlett's startup journey with GG's Chicken and Waffles.
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​Jim Langin founded Pivotal Business Partners to enhance economic growth in Iowa
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Flowstate Health Startup Story in Greater Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Hear about reverse engineering mental healthcare from Flowstate Health Founder Steven Slye.
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Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness in Greater Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Hear how Courtney Buhrow started Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness in Greater Des Moines.
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Expanding the Greater Des Moines (DSM) music scene is a top priority for Sam Summers.
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As co-owner of Mars Café, Kuuku Saah is looking to grow the Mars brand in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Bread by Chelsa B Success in Greater Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Bread by Chelsa B specializes in sourdough, but also features focaccia, donuts and more.
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A Small Business Owner Builds Coffee Business in Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Northern Vessel’s owner, T.J. Rude, focuses on bringing hospitality to the forefront of the coffee industry.
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Hopeful Heights Nonprofit Organization in Greater Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories
For Karen Ziebarth, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams support the selfless and raise funds at events nationwide.
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Lily Allen-Dueñas Celebrates 100th Podcast Episode Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
The founder of Wild Yoga Tribe talks about bringing global perspectives to her Wild Yoga Tribe podcast.
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How an Altoona, Iowa Flower Shop Owner Connects to Community Additional Resources, Success Stories
Stephanie Groom shares what it’s like to find community and success with her small business, Stems Flower Shop.
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Russel Karim shares the story of building Dhakai and why startup founders should be married to the problem, not the solution.
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David Tracy – Northgate Marketing Startup Story Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
David Tracy works with clients around the globe creating marketing campaigns through branding, web design and more.
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VizyPay's Austin Mac Nab and Frank Pagano share advice about growing the payments business 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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Studio Process produces videos for organizations that help them share meaningful content with their audience.
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OpenLoop Health is the future of telehealth, serving thousands of patients a month in all 50 states.
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Find out about how five Greater Des Moines (DSM) startups have continued to grow and succeed in the region.
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Hyper Energy Bar is infusing energy into Greater Des Moines (DSM) through hand-crafted coffee and energy drinks.
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Scott Keplinger – IntelliSee in Iowa Startup Story How to Start a Business, Success Stories
IntelliSee detects threats using real-time AI software to help businesses protect their time, money and employees.
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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 Bill Menner Group is an Iowa consulting firm that specializes in rural development and community-based infrastructure.
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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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2023 National Entrepreneurship Week – Partnership Resources Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Success Stories
As an entrepreneur, the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s resources will help elevate your mindset and small business.
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Toney & Sarah Chem – 5 Borough Bagels Startup Story How to Start a Business, Success Stories
5 Borough Bagels serves up bagels while focusing on community partnerships that strengthen their customer base.
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Eric West shares the idea behind Music League and how the game brings the human element back to music discovery.
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Northern Vessel Startup Story – Coffee at Keo Way How to Start a Business, Success Stories
T.J. Rude describes going from a coffee cart to a location on Keo Way in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).
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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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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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Des Moines Entrepreneur Makes History with Goldman Sachs How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Joy Hankins chosen for the inaugural Black in Business cohort with Goldman Sachs.
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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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Golden Openings Owner Kimberly Baeth is awarded the Iowa Small Business Person of the Year Award.
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Sevelyn - Mental Wellbeing for Latinos How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Carlos Arguello discusses growing up with an interest in entrepreneurship and creating Sevelyn.
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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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Tips for Starting a Small Business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Sophia S. Ahmad shares how she utilized Partnership resources when founding her own business.
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Anne McMahon's role at BioConnect Iowa allows her to help startups develop and research bioscience tech solutions.
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Kinship Brewing Owner Zach Dobeck shares what's new with the brewery one year after opening.
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ManchesterStory's Matt Kinley shares about assisting startups in InsurTech, FinTech and Healthcare.
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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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Jenny Quiner discusses urban farming in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and new revenue streams for the local business.
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Leadership and Team Members Cultivate Success Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories
Omar Jordan shares how an entrepreneur's success is determined by growing a team locked in on the same vision.
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Chris Paxson shares 100 years of family legacy and literacy, innovation and leadership at LBS.
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Brad Dwyer recounts his journey to building a successful startup company over the past 18 months.
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Community Encourages Greater Des Moines (DSM) Entrepreneur How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Terrence Thames explains how he founded Cocoa Creative to help brands with their visual storytelling.
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Euphoria Cakes in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
A passion for cake decorating became the catalyst for a new career and move to Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Lola's Fine Kitchen Heats Up in DSM Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Hannah Elliott shares the startup story behind Lola's Fine Kitchen in Greater Des Moines (DSM)
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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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Speaker Jill Andersen in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Additional Resources, How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Get past the fears in your life and learn how to take charge of your life and choices to find success.
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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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BURN Boot Camp in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories
For Darci Evans, co-owning her own business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) has brought big rewards.
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Jason Cope and Todd Krone PowerPollen Startup Story Additional Resources, Success Stories
Jason Cope and Todd Krone return to Startup Stories DSM to discuss good mentors and where PowerPollen stands today.
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Tricia Rivas of Trixie's Salon Startup Story Additional Resources, Success Stories
Tricia Rivas shares how she became owner of Trixie's Salon in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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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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Agricsync Startup Story on Mobile Support Additional Resources, Success Stories
Casey Niemann reflects on the start of Agrisync, business focus and startup mentors for Startup Stories DSM.
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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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Velorosa Startup Story Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Velorosa's Kim Hopkins and Lisa Carponelli discuss designing women's cycling kits and the company in 2020.
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Five Q and Journity Startup Story Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Chad Williams discusses the ministry impact platform, Journity, and his Greater Des Moines (DSM) startup, Five Q.
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Pernell Cezar Jr. and Mike Colwell discuss how BLK & Bold got its start on the Startup Stories podcast.
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Matt Ostanik describes the entrepreneurial journey that led him to create his latest startup business, Given.
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Des Moines Startup TradeLabs Connects Trade Experts to Investors How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Nick Eltjes and Noah Loffredo share their experience starting TradeLabs in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Scott Politte discusses Stivers Ford Lincoln of Iowa's history in the area and his expectations for the future.
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Focus on Contributing Factors to Success Additional Resources, Success Stories
Joseph Benesh discusses concentrating on the contributing factors to success and instead of winning creates results.
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Muddy Bites Finds Success in Greater Des Moines (DSM) How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Muddy Bites co-founders detail developing and marketing their product and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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One World Supplies Small Business and Startup Stories How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Sul Huq describes his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of DSM-startup One World Supplies.
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Denim Social Prepares for Growth How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Greg Bailey discusses Denim Social, how he transitioned his startup team and his forecast for the future.
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Global Greens Program Assists Former Refugee Farmers Additional Resources, Success Stories
Daniel Bowser explains Lutheran Services in Iowa's Global Greens program and new safety practices during COVID-19.
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Kaylee Williams provides an inside look at how VolunteerLocal executes marketing and closes the sale.
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Focusing on What You're Leaving Behind During COVID-19 Additional Resources, Success Stories
Jann E. Freed outlines what leaders should be focusin on, from transparency to reflection and introspection.
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Techstars Iowa Considers Impact of COVID-19 How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Kerty Levy explains her journey to managing Techstars Iowa and how COVID-19 is impacting the accelerator.
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How to Manage Company Remotely Additional Resources, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Lana Fox discusses sales and communication tools for managing ClinicNote remotely.
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Top Podcast for DSM Small Businesses and Startups Additional Resources, How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Learn from a Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur through the top downloaded Startup Stories DSM podcast.
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Number 2, 3 Podcasts for DSM Small Businesses and Startups How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Learn from two more Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneurs through the top Startup Stories DSM podcasts.
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Nadilia Gomez discusses her love of plant sciences and how it led her to run the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator.
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Top Podcasts for DSM Small Businesses and Startups Additional Resources, Success Stories
Learn from Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneurs through the top downloaded Startup Stories DSM podcasts.
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Erin Huiatt discusses her journey as a women-business owner in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Brad Dwyer and Joseph Nelson discuss advantages of their new startup, Roboflow.
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Rita Perea explains how her Greater Des Moines small business grew and evolved over 20 years.
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Tractor Zoom Recognizes Opportunities as Data Provider How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Kyle McMahon explains how his early experiences led him to create farm machinery auction site, Tractor Zoom.
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Nicole Gunderson discusses her path to becoming Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA).
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BetterHireS Evens Playing Field for High Schoolers How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Kiki Levy discusses her business Better HireS and its ability to connect high school talent to business needs.
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Episode 39: Sustainable Accessories in DSM - Dona Bela Shreds How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Allison Davidson Motoyama discusses her startup journey, including local opportunities and website marketing.
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Write Once, Use Twice (or more!) Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Sally Cooper Smith discusses repurposing marketing content.
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Hyper Local Hype: The Rise of the Nano Influencer Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Whitney Warne discusses hyperlocal influencer marketing at the Small Business Success Summit.
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Mike Draper talks RAYGUN's growth and expansion, as well as why he wanted employees to unionize.
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Creating a Henna Business in DSM USA Additional Resources, Success Stories
Maggie Goldhammer explains how she got her start in henna design and why she loves doing business in DSM USA.
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Koloni helps bring bike and scooter sharing to smaller communities who aren't able to draw companies on their own.
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Rocket Referrals utilizes automation to create touchpoints for insurance agents.
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Ames-based wastewater startup uses algae to remove and recycle pollutants from wastewater.
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Katie Byers explains House Concerts in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Mike Colwell calls artificial intelligence the great equalizer of the startup world.
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Former Global Insurance Accelerator Director Brian Hemesath discusses insurtech and how to find startup success within the industry.
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After working for two Greater Des Moines (DSM) startups, Kate Wagner launches clothing line Lidgett.
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Tej Dhawan discusses the past, present and future for Greater Des Moines' startup and entrepreneur community.
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Liz Lidgett talks about how her love of art turned into launching a DSM USA startup business.
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Episode 28: WorkHound and the Importance of Employee Happiness How to Start a Business, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories
Max Farrell and Andrew Kirpalani talk about starting WorkHound and the lessons they learned along the way.
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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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ClinicNote is redefining speech therapy through their electronic medical records.
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Dwolla's Travis Ensley discusses his journey from the Navy to the world of startups.
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Startup Success: CABCo and Expanding in DSM USA Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories
Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. owner Scott Carlson explains how the right people help your business grow.
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Certintell founder Ben Lefever discusses how the Certintell solution engages patients for better outcomes.
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Fusion Boutique owner Sara Jacobson discusses her experience as a business owner in DSM USA.
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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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Cassie Sampson talks startup expansion for Greater Des Moines (DSM) small business owners.
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Overcoming the Challenges: ScoreYard Startup Success How to Start a Business, Success Stories
Des Moines small business owner discusses startup challenges and how he overcomes them.
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Learn more about Agrisync, a software company focused on agriculture.
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CEO of Gain Compliance shares how a software company focuses on compliance in the insurance industry.
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Megan McKay shares how Peace Tree Brewing found success amid the 2009 recession and how the original name for the brewery was too risqué.
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Marry My City offers a new way to create a wedding registry full of experiences rather than stuff.
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Melissa Carlson shares how to give your brand a persona and to think about it as more than just a logo.
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Rachel Eubank of Sticks discusses her passion for art and developing the Sticks brand.
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Pitchly founder discusses pitching to investors and helping startups raise capital.
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Gabe Glynn explains how Makusafe technology and data successfully make workplaces safer.
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Velorosa founders discuss growing the cycling apparel startup and selling at RAGBRAI.
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At age 24, Kate Banasiak became a minority owner of Diversified Management Solutions. She's now CEO.
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Steve and Des Sherlock find support for Pablow through Global Insurance Accelerator.
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"Ambitious Adventures" questions restaurant owner about DSM small business community.
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Tracy Fuller started InnovativEvents as a way to cope with a personal tragedy, but has since grown it into a global success.
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Brad Dwyer explains how Hatchlings found success and led to the development of new apps.
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Todd Krone and Jason Cope of startup PowerPollen discuss creating yield technology.
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Amy Vohs of Lil' Sidekick speaks about the technology behind her tether tool for moms.
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Crème's Christina Moffatt shares her experience as a female business owner in DSM USA.
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Megan Vollstedt explains how running a startup led her to Iowa's AgriTech Accelerator.
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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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Kaylee Williams of VolunteerLocal talks being a female business owner in DSM USA.
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Amos Petersen explains how startup FarrPro creates solutions for the swine industry.
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HLT co-founder shares startup's steps to success in various mobile solutions markets.
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Steven Brockshus discusses FarmlandFinder and its tools for potential landowners in episode 37 of the Small Business and Startup Stories DSM podcast.
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Susan Watts explains how she transitioned from manager to owner of DSM USA art gallery.
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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.
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Dwolla's Ben Milne discusses closing deals and pitching your startup to large companies.
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Liz Lidgett talks about her art advisory service focused on style, space and budget.
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Andrew Kirpalani of WorkHound talks starting a driver retention and referral startup.
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ClusterFlunk Startup Story Success Stories
ClusterFlunk creates easier peer-to-peer communication between students in the same classes.
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As a doctor, the RSS Founder was unsure about the product, but knew the solution he was after.
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Startup Rocket Referrals has found success thanks to tech innovation and communication.
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Charise Flynn, former COO at Dwolla and Founder of c.Results, shares tips for startups.
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FunnelWise startup founder discusses leveraging data through full-funnel intelligence.
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Katie Byers of HomeDitty discusses her passion for house concerts to benefit musicians.
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Mary Anne Kennedy of Primary Source shares her small business success story.
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Nicole Lorenson of PRESERVATION explains her lifestyle small business and photo studio.
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Jen Bramble of Club B-FIT explains her small business and its alternative fitness focus.
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Beth Montpas of Life Coaching is an expert in sales, business and life coach for women.
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HomeDitty connects undiscovered artists with people who host live music in their homes.
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Tricia Rivas talks about starting Trixie's Salon and the Dreamcatchers Foundation.
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Ben Lefever, founder of Certintell Telehealth, shares his success story as a startup.
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Hatchlings, Inc., is a popular Facebook game known as "The Worldwide Easter Egg Hunt."
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Happy Medium, a full-service marketing firm, includes digital and traditional services.
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Derian Baugh of Men's Style Lab explains his online clothing service startup story.
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TelePharm's Founder Roby Miller discusses the billion-dollar pharmacy software startup.
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Founders of Rocket Referrals explain keeping clients engaged and growing referrals.
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Founders of Adore Your Walls talk about the art advisory service that connects people to art they'll love.
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The Great Frame Up founder shares passion for art and her small business success story.
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Claudia Schabel shares insight on transition from corporate business to startup owner.
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Whitney Warne of Ivory House Photography shares her small business success story.
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Leng Vong Reiff of Akili Design talks starting her marketing services small business.
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Liz Lidgett of Adore Your Walls discusses becoming a female startup business owner in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Founder Jason Cope explains how improving cross pollination increased profitability.
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Steven Brockshus of Terva discusses owning a startup business in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Katie Byers shares how her passion for live music turned into a successful startup.
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Kina McAllister grows StemBox into a successful startup after moving to DSM USA.
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Lil' Sidekick founder grows startup in DSM USA; succeeds as a female business owner.
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Katie Fergus, of FinanSynergy and PractiSynergy, talks opportunity and resources in DSM.
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PowerPollen's startup technology leads to high productivity in seed and grain production.
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Structurely startup co-founders discuss artificial intelligence for real estate agents.
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WinPro's Bill Bernardo hopes to ease active dog inflammation through building immunity.
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WorkHound founders solve driver turnover with a digital employee engagement platform.
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AgTech startup AgriSync finds a solution for the ag industry by providing support for farmers.
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Founder Casey Niemann left Microsoft to form AgTech customer service startup AgriSync.
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Mortgage MarketSmart founders speak on startup challenges and the sales cycle.
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Founder Michael Ferrari's startup SmartyPig grew to $3 billion in transactions quickly.
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Lil Sidekick Founder discusses how she brought her new product to the retail market.
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Gabe Glynn, Founder of MakuSafe, anticipates next steps for his DSM hardware startup.
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Drive Spotter is a video analytics platform for railroad and transportation industries.
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Dorothy's House offers care in a secure environment for victims of human trafficking.
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Catchwind Founder Brian Hemesath shares his journey and discusses tips for startups.
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Hatchlings, "The Worldwide Easter Egg Hunt," hit a peak of 200 million pageviews/month.
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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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