Small Business Resources

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.

Music League Connects Friends + Helps Them Discover New Music Success Stories

Eric West shares the idea behind Music League and how the game brings the human element back to music discovery.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

2022 SBA Iowa Small Business Person of the Year - Kimberly Baeth Events & Networking, Success Stories

Golden Openings Owner Kimberly Baeth is awarded the Iowa Small Business Person of the Year Award.

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.

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.

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.

Helping Bioscience Startups in Iowa Success Stories

Anne McMahon's role at BioConnect Iowa allows her to help startups develop and research bioscience tech solutions.

Kinship Brewing 2022 One Year Later Success Stories

Kinship Brewing Owner Zach Dobeck shares what's new with the brewery one year after opening.

Venture Capitalists and Entrepreneurs in 2022 Success Stories

ManchesterStory's Matt Kinley shares about assisting startups in InsurTech, FinTech and Healthcare.

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.

Dogpatch Urban Gardens in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Startup Story Success Stories

Jenny Quiner discusses urban farming in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and new revenue streams for the local business.

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.

LBS Celebrates 100 Years of Growth in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Success Stories, Succession Planning

Chris Paxson shares 100 years of family legacy and literacy, innovation and leadership at LBS.

Brad Dwyer on Small Business and Startup Stories DSM in 2021 Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories

Brad Dwyer recounts his journey to building a successful startup company over the past 18 months.

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.

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).

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)

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages Startup Story Success Stories

Pernell Cezar Jr. and Mike Colwell discuss how BLK & Bold got its start on the Startup Stories podcast.

New Startup Given in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Success Stories

Matt Ostanik describes the entrepreneurial journey that led him to create his latest startup business, Given.

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).

Stivers Ford Lincoln of Iowa in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Success Stories

Scott Politte discusses Stivers Ford Lincoln of Iowa's history in the area and his expectations for the future.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Driving Demand Remotely with Drip Marketing Campaigns Webinar Marketing & Sales, Success Stories

Kaylee Williams provides an inside look at how VolunteerLocal executes marketing and closes the sale.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nadilia Gomez's Experience Invaluable to Ag Startups Success Stories

Nadilia Gomez discusses her love of plant sciences and how it led her to run the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator.

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.

Women Find Parenting, Business Opportunities with DSM Resources How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Erin Huiatt discusses her journey as a women-business owner in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Episode 44: Roboflow Offers Tools Focusing on Computer Vision Success Stories

Brad Dwyer and Joseph Nelson discuss advantages of their new startup, Roboflow.

Succeed in Business with Healthy Management Habits Success Stories

Rita Perea explains how her Greater Des Moines small business grew and evolved over 20 years.

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.

Episode 41: My Path to Becoming Managing Director for the GIA Success Stories

Nicole Gunderson discusses her path to becoming Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA).

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.

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.

Write Once, Use Twice (or more!) Marketing & Sales, Success Stories

Sally Cooper Smith discusses repurposing marketing content.

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.

Episode 38: RAYGUN's Evolution as the Greatest Store in the Universe Success Stories

Mike Draper talks RAYGUN's growth and expansion, as well as why he wanted employees to unionize.

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.

Episode 36: Koloni Empowers Sustainability through Sharing Success Stories

Koloni helps bring bike and scooter sharing to smaller communities who aren't able to draw companies on their own.

Episode 35: The Importance of Company Culture in Rocket Referrals' Growth Success Stories

Rocket Referrals utilizes automation to create touchpoints for insurance agents.

Episode 34: Finding Innovation in Algae Success Stories

Ames-based wastewater startup uses algae to remove and recycle pollutants from wastewater.

Episode 33: Live Music in Your Living Room Success Stories

Katie Byers explains House Concerts in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Five Steps for Embracing Artificial Intelligence in DSM USA Success Stories

Mike Colwell calls artificial intelligence the great equalizer of the startup world.

Episode 32: Defining Insurtech Startup Success Success Stories

Former Global Insurance Accelerator Director Brian Hemesath discusses insurtech and how to find startup success within the industry.

Episode 31: Launching a Debut Clothing Line in DSM USA Success Stories

After working for two Greater Des Moines (DSM) startups, Kate Wagner launches clothing line Lidgett.

Episode 30: Tej Dhawan and the DSM Startup Community Success Stories

Tej Dhawan discusses the past, present and future for Greater Des Moines' startup and entrepreneur community.

Episode 29: Finding Success in Art Success Stories

Liz Lidgett talks about how her love of art turned into launching a DSM USA startup business.

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.

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.

Episode 26: Improving Speech Therapy from DSM USA Success Stories

ClinicNote is redefining speech therapy through their electronic medical records.

Episode 25: From the Military to the Startup World Success Stories

Dwolla's Travis Ensley discusses his journey from the Navy to the world of startups.

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.

Certintell Telehealth's Success Within The Medical IT Industry Success Stories

Certintell founder Ben Lefever discusses how the Certintell solution engages patients for better outcomes.

Fusion Boutique Startup Success: Growing into an Established Business Success Stories

Fusion Boutique owner Sara Jacobson discusses her experience as a business owner in DSM USA.

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.

Expanding From Your Roots: East Village Spa Success Success Stories

Cassie Sampson talks startup expansion for Greater Des Moines (DSM) small business owners.

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.

Podcast: Agrisync's Startup Story Success Stories

Learn more about Agrisync, a software company focused on agriculture.

Startup Success: Gain Compliance Success Stories

CEO of Gain Compliance shares how a software company focuses on compliance in the insurance industry.

Startup Success Story: How Peace Tree Brewing Successfully Launched During Great Recession Success Stories

Megan McKay shares how Peace Tree Brewing found success amid the 2009 recession and how the original name for the brewery was too risqué.

Startup Success: Find the Perfect Wedding Gift with Marry My City Success Stories

Marry My City offers a new way to create a wedding registry full of experiences rather than stuff.

Startup Success: Branding 101 with 818 Design Success Stories

Melissa Carlson shares how to give your brand a persona and to think about it as more than just a logo.

Small Business Success Story: Sticks Success Stories

Rachel Eubank of Sticks discusses her passion for art and developing the Sticks brand.

Pitchly Founder Discusses Success Raising Equity Capital Success Stories

Pitchly founder discusses pitching to investors and helping startups raise capital.

Makusafe Platform Leads to Improved Worker Safety Success Stories

Gabe Glynn explains how Makusafe technology and data successfully make workplaces safer.

Velorosa Startup Sells High Performance Cycling Gear to DSM USA Success Stories

Velorosa founders discuss growing the cycling apparel startup and selling at RAGBRAI.

Startup Story Success: From Young Student to CEO of Diversified Management Solutions Success Stories

At age 24, Kate Banasiak became a minority owner of Diversified Management Solutions. She's now CEO.

Travel Insurance Startup Pablow Finds Success in DSM USA Success Stories

Steve and Des Sherlock find support for Pablow through Global Insurance Accelerator.

TV Show Investigates Growing Small Businesses in DSM USA Success Stories

"Ambitious Adventures" questions restaurant owner about DSM small business community.

Turning Tragedy into Startup Success Success Stories

Tracy Fuller started InnovativEvents as a way to cope with a personal tragedy, but has since grown it into a global success.

Startup Hatchlings Becomes Gaming Success Story Success Stories

Brad Dwyer explains how Hatchlings found success and led to the development of new apps.

PowerPollen Improves Cross Pollination of Corn Success Stories

Todd Krone and Jason Cope of startup PowerPollen discuss creating yield technology.

Lil' Sidekick Founder Finds Worldwide Success Success Stories

Amy Vohs of Lil' Sidekick speaks about the technology behind her tether tool for moms.

Crème Cupcake Turns a Simple Idea into a Startup Success Success Stories

Crème's Christina Moffatt shares her experience as a female business owner in DSM USA.

Iowa AgriTech Accelerator Gains Innovative Startup Founder Success Stories

Megan Vollstedt explains how running a startup led her to Iowa's AgriTech Accelerator.

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.

VolunteerLocal President Kaylee Williams Tells Startup Journey Success Stories

Kaylee Williams of VolunteerLocal talks being a female business owner in DSM USA.

Startup FarrPro Offers Innovation in the Hog Industry Success Stories

Amos Petersen explains how startup FarrPro creates solutions for the swine industry.

Higher Learning Technologies Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories

HLT co-founder shares startup's steps to success in various mobile solutions markets.

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.

Olson Larsen Galleries Small Business Success Story Success Stories

Susan Watts explains how she transitioned from manager to owner of DSM USA art gallery.

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.

Dwolla's Startup Success Story Success Stories

Dwolla's Ben Milne discusses closing deals and pitching your startup to large companies.

A Conversation with Adore Your Walls Success Stories

Liz Lidgett talks about her art advisory service focused on style, space and budget.

WorkHound's Startup Success Story Success Stories

Andrew Kirpalani of WorkHound talks starting a driver retention and referral startup.

ClusterFlunk Startup Story Success Stories

ClusterFlunk creates easier peer-to-peer communication between students in the same classes.

Rational Surgical Solutions' Startup Success Story Success Stories

As a doctor, the RSS Founder was unsure about the product, but knew the solution he was after.

Rocket Referrals: An Insurance Industry Startup Success Story Success Stories

Startup Rocket Referrals has found success thanks to tech innovation and communication.

Stories of Starting Up from Charise Flynn Success Stories

Charise Flynn, former COO at Dwolla and Founder of c.Results, shares tips for startups.

Startup Success Story: FunnelWise Success Stories

FunnelWise startup founder discusses leveraging data through full-funnel intelligence.

A Conversation with HomeDitty Success Stories

Katie Byers of HomeDitty discusses her passion for house concerts to benefit musicians.

Primary Source's Success Story Success Stories

Mary Anne Kennedy of Primary Source shares her small business success story.

Preservation Small Business Success Story Success Stories

Nicole Lorenson of PRESERVATION explains her lifestyle small business and photo studio.

Club B-FIT's Small Business Success Story Success Stories

Jen Bramble of Club B-FIT explains her small business and its alternative fitness focus.

Small Business Success Story: Life Coaching Success Stories

Beth Montpas of Life Coaching is an expert in sales, business and life coach for women.

HomeDitty's Startup Success Story Success Stories

HomeDitty connects undiscovered artists with people who host live music in their homes.

Trixie's Salon Small Business Success Story Success Stories

Tricia Rivas talks about starting Trixie's Salon and the Dreamcatchers Foundation.

Certintell Telehealth's Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories

Ben Lefever, founder of Certintell Telehealth, shares his success story as a startup.

Hatchlings Startup Success Story Success Stories

Hatchlings, Inc., is a popular Facebook game known as "The Worldwide Easter Egg Hunt."

Happy Medium Startup Success Story Success Stories

Happy Medium, a full-service marketing firm, includes digital and traditional services.

Men's Style Lab's Startup Story Success Stories

Derian Baugh of Men's Style Lab explains his online clothing service startup story.

TelePharm Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories

TelePharm's Founder Roby Miller discusses the billion-dollar pharmacy software startup.

Rocket Referrals Startup Success Story Success Stories

Founders of Rocket Referrals explain keeping clients engaged and growing referrals.

Adore Your Walls Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories

Founders of Adore Your Walls talk about the art advisory service that connects people to art they'll love.

The Great Frame Up's Small Business Success Story Success Stories

The Great Frame Up founder shares passion for art and her small business success story.

Schabel Solutions' Small Business Success Story Success Stories

Claudia Schabel shares insight on transition from corporate business to startup owner.

Ivory House Photography's Small Business Success Story Success Stories

Whitney Warne of Ivory House Photography shares her small business success story.

Akili Design's Small Business Success Story Success Stories

Leng Vong Reiff of Akili Design talks starting her marketing services small business.

Startup Adore Your Walls Finds Success in DSM USA Success Stories

Liz Lidgett of Adore Your Walls discusses becoming a female startup business owner in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Large Scale Startup PowerPollen' Technology Success in DSM USA Success Stories

Founder Jason Cope explains how improving cross pollination increased profitability.

Startup Terva Finds Startup Success in DSM USA Success Stories

Steven Brockshus of Terva discusses owning a startup business in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

House Concert Startup Success Story: HomeDitty Success Stories

Katie Byers shares how her passion for live music turned into a successful startup.

Female-Owned Business StemBox a STEM Startup Success Story Success Stories

Kina McAllister grows StemBox into a successful startup after moving to DSM USA.

Lil' Sidekick Tether Idea Leads to Startup Business Success Success Stories

Lil' Sidekick founder grows startup in DSM USA; succeeds as a female business owner.

Small Business Owner Finds Support in DSM USA Success Stories

Katie Fergus, of FinanSynergy and PractiSynergy, talks opportunity and resources in DSM.

AgTech Startup Power Pollen's Startup Success Story Success Stories

PowerPollen's startup technology leads to high productivity in seed and grain production.

Structurely's Startup Success Story Success Stories

Structurely startup co-founders discuss artificial intelligence for real estate agents.

Startup Success Story: WinPro Success Stories

WinPro's Bill Bernardo hopes to ease active dog inflammation through building immunity.

Startup Success Story: Workhound Success Stories

WorkHound founders solve driver turnover with a digital employee engagement platform.

Startup Story Check-in: AgriSync Success Stories

AgTech startup AgriSync finds a solution for the ag industry by providing support for farmers.

AgriSync AgTech Startup Success Story Success Stories

Founder Casey Niemann left Microsoft to form AgTech customer service startup AgriSync.

iEmergent Large Scale Startup Success Story Success Stories

Mortgage MarketSmart founders speak on startup challenges and the sales cycle.

Startup Success Story: SmartyPig Success Stories

Founder Michael Ferrari's startup SmartyPig grew to $3 billion in transactions quickly.

Lil Sidekick's Startup Success Story Success Stories

Lil Sidekick Founder discusses how she brought her new product to the retail market.

MakuSafe's Startup Success Story Success Stories

Gabe Glynn, Founder of MakuSafe, anticipates next steps for his DSM hardware startup.

Startup Success Story: Drive Spotter Success Stories

Drive Spotter is a video analytics platform for railroad and transportation industries.

Startup Story: Dorothy's House Success Stories

Dorothy's House offers care in a secure environment for victims of human trafficking.

Catchwind's Startup Success Story Success Stories

Catchwind Founder Brian Hemesath shares his journey and discusses tips for startups.

Startup Story Check-in: Hatchlings Success Stories

Hatchlings, "The Worldwide Easter Egg Hunt," hit a peak of 200 million pageviews/month.

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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