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Spark DSM Business Incubator

The Spark DSM Business Incubator empowers new and early-stage small businesses by providing both event access and educational resources to help them grow. This program supports vendors at signature Greater Des Moines Partnership events including the Downtown Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival and Out to Lunch. 

Participants gain real-world experience selling their products while also benefiting from year-round business education through the program. This five-module curriculum covers essential topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, legal compliance, and networking, ensuring vendors have the tools and knowledge to succeed long-term. 

The Spark DSM Business Incubator is designed to foster economic growth, inclusivity and innovation across the region, helping small businesses thrive in DSM’s vibrant marketplace.  

Apply to be part of the Spark DSM Business Incubator

Applications for the 2025 season are now closed.

To participate in the Spark DSM Program, a business must be owned, operated and actively managed by one or more persons who sell locally grown/handmade items — no resale or wholesale options will be accepted.

Applicants of the Spark DSM Incubator program must be new to the event they are applying to join, and meet one of the following requirements: 

  • Have been in business for one to four years. 
  • Have between $40,000 – $90,000 in demonstrated annual sales. 
  • Have participated in the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families small business programming. For more information on this programming reach out to Sam Early at sdearly@dmacc.edu.
  • A letter of recommendation from a community partner organization.

Spark DSM Business Incubator Curriculum Overview

  • Module 1: Business Fundamentals - Introduction to entrepreneurship and business planning, including goal setting and writing a business plan tailored for Farmers' Market vendors.
  • Module 2: Basic Financials - Core financial principles, including understanding financial statements, budgeting, sales forecasting and exploring funding options for small businesses. 
  • Module 3: Marketing Strategies - Branding and positioning, along with strategies for digital marketing such as social media and email marketing to engage customers effectively. 
  • Module 4: Legal & Regulatory Compliance - Understanding different business structures, required licenses and permits and essential employment laws to ensure legal compliance for your business. 
  • Module 5: Networking & Community Engagement - Building professional networks, leveraging local community engagement and forming business partnerships to grow your business. 
  • Additional Resources - Access to continuous learning opportunities, workshops, seminars and mentorship programs to support long-term business growth and development. 

For questions, please contact Juan Pablo Sanchez, Director of Inclusive Business Strategies, at jsanchez@DSMPartnership.com.

Presented by

 

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In Partnership with

EKD