Four Ways to Support Local in DSM USA

As a small business owner in Greater Des Moines (DSM), I know how important it is to support local. Nearly half of all private sector employees work for a small business, and small businesses have accounted for 65% of net new job creation since 2000, according to the Small Business Association (SBA).

Supporting Local Businesses

Beyond that, small businesses add to the fabric of our communities. They give our DSM region, and all the local communities within it, a sense of place.

As we enter the fall, there are several ways you can support small, locally owned businesses.

1. The World Food & Music Festival returns on Sept. 16 – 18 in Western Gateway Park. The Festival has announced a lineup of 50 food vendors, including 22 new vendors. The lineup features local businesses with a global flavor, as 27 countries are represented in the vendor lineup. The Festival will feature a large amount of programming for all ages, live music and much more as a way to celebrate the cultural diversity that makes our region so vibrant. I encourage you to experience as many different vendors as you can — which should be easy as each vendor will offer a bite-sized taste item. Learn more at worldfoodandmusicfestival.com.
2. Check out the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, which just announced 16 new vendors for the second half of the season in an effort to add more diverse vendors for Market-goers to enjoy and support. The Market supports more than 290 local business owners, including farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 50 counties across the state of Iowa. The Market continues each Saturday from 7 a.m. – Noon in the Historic Court District in Downtown DSM (with fall hours of 8 a.m. – Noon beginning in October). Learn more at downtownfarmersmarket.com and watch this interview on KCCI featuring new vendors G.G.’s Chicken & Waffles and Lyela’s Kitchen: bit.ly/3wbdT4e
3. Check out The Partnership’s DSM Local Buying Guides. These guides feature local shopping ideas for foodies, gardeners, those working on home projects and much more. Popular guides include patio dining, restaurants and gardening. Additionally, as part of its One Epic Summer campaign, The Partnership has produced a number of guides specific to Downtown DSM in categories including bars and restaurants, arts and culture, adventures and ideas for people who work Downtown. Check out the DSM Local Buying Guides at DSMpartnership.com/DSMlocal and the Downtown guides at downtownDSMUSA.com.
4. Make local purchasing decisions for your business or organization. When using third-party vendors, consider using local companies. Your decision to look local keeps dollars in our community and has a ripple effect that creates jobs and adds economic impact. There are so many local small businesses that can help your organization with services such as office supplies, marketing, professional development, information technology and more. Find a list of local businesses in The Partnership’s Member Directory at DSMpartnership.com/directory.

Thank you for continuing to shop local and for your support of the DSM region. We are fortunate to live in such a vibrant, supportive community.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.