Entrepreneur Field Days series hosted across Greater Des Moines

It all started with the idea that entrepreneurs learn best from entrepreneurs. Take someone's hard-earned lessons and shared skills to jump-start business success. Seed the next generation of entrepreneurs. Cover a broad range of industries and subject knowledge expertise. Grow your perspective and see new areas across the community.  

Drawing on Iowa’s rich agricultural heritage, field days have been taking place since the turn of the 20th century. Now, this event series expands the lessons learned from farming into all forms of entrepreneurship. Let’s celebrate the brilliant business minds in our communities. Go behind the scenes and learn how an entrepreneur and an idea started it all.  

Open to Everyone 

All Entrepreneur Field Days are free and open to the public, with registration required.   

Not an entrepreneur? No problem – you're invited too! If you’re a creative, mentor, educator, corporate leader, economic developer, investor, or simply curious about how things work – all play a role in building a strong community of support for entrepreneurs across Iowa. 

Champion a Spirit of Curiosity  

Entrepreneur Field Days is a space to learn from each other first and foremost! Bring a spirit of curiosity, shared respect, a notepad to capture your next idea, and the mindset to make new connections. 

More information for the 2025 Entrepreneur Field Days coming soon.

2024 Schedule of Events: 

• Aug. 29: In Harmony Farm, Building A Public Farm to Support Underserved Farmers & Refugees 
• Sept. 4: Gross-Wen Technologies, Revolutionizing Water Treatment Using Algae 
• Sept. 17: b. Robert Moore, Creating A League of His Own in Art
• Sept. 24: PepperHarrow Farm, Creating Beauty Through Flowers in Madison County 
• Oct. 2: Coviance, Transforming The Home Equity Lending Experience 
• Oct. 8: Southeast Constructors, Building an Inclusive Community Through Construction 
• Oct. 16: Shivvers Technology & Innovation Group, Monitoring A Smart Grain Bin From Your Pocket 
• Oct. 23: Hummingbirds, Powering Businesses with Hyperlocal Creators 
• Oct. 29: Moglea, Making Artful Goods for Everyday 

 

All Entrepreneur Field Days are free and open to the public, with registration required.  

If you have any questions contact Diana Wright, Startup Community Builder at The Partnership. 

Testimonials

“Seeing how entrepreneurs leveraged local resources to solve problems as they scale - retaining legal, financial, marketing and engineering resources for the first time - is really heartening. These people find a way to get it done, and there are local resources to help.” - Rich Stevens 

“Love this concept! The networking opportunities are terrific, as are the stories told by the business owners. I liked hearing about both their struggles and their successes. It's interesting to learn their methods for problem-solving.” - Jennifer Sayers 

“I really enjoy these types of events to connect and learn from other entrepreneurs. It's fun to get different perspectives outside of the normal circle of people I work with in my professional day job.”  - John Crouthamel 

Powered by the Greater DSM Partnership.

Thanks to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, BioConnect Iowa, and InnoVenture Iowa for sponsoring several Entrepreneur Field Days this year.