Funding Ideas that Matter in Central Iowa

In 2015, Iowa was ranked dead last in businesses owned by women. At the time, I was working at a nonprofit and growing my side hustle, POP UP YOGA DSM. I didn’t identify as a business owner in any way, but the report really bothered me. I felt moved to do something about it. I trusted my gut feeling and sought out opportunities.

Shortly after, I was presented with the opportunity to take over FemCity Des Moines, a women’s networking group that was struggling to grow. I was an immediate yes and started to formulate unique ways to support the business community beyond the incredible offerings already available.

Flourish – A Des Moines Pitch Competition

FemCity Des Moines went from five to 500 members in less than a year, and I learned a lot from these women in business. Many of them were struggling to grow because they lacked financing and marketing so in 2018, I launched our first pitch competition called Flourish.

The intention was to give three women business owners the opportunity to pitch their idea to a live audience and get all the money that came in from ticket sales. The more people who attended, the more the winner could potentially win, and the attendees were the ones to cast the vote on who left with the money.

The kickoff event was a huge success, and we’ve been hosting Flourish ever since with attendance and sponsorships growing every year. Last year’s winner, Pints by Beth, took home $3,000 to invest in her business.

Over the years, we’ve had finalists from all different journeys. From a race car driver offering programs to teens to an urban farmer bringing more produce into neighborhoods to an ice cream shop owner who is part of the incredible revitalization at Highland Park who is using the funds to build out a patio to foster community … these are the ideas that make our city a better place to live, work and play.

And the best part of the event? Community investment.

We get to remind people that their real dollars are what support great ideas in Greater Des Moines (DSM). These dollars that support small businesses and our voices amplifying the projects help us make DSM a stronger community.

We are back with Flourish on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in partnership with FuseDSM, an incredible Chamber of Commerce supporting the very businesses Flourish set out to support.

2024 Finalists

Marissa Friesen from RisSewn, Joy Hankins from The Joy of Curls and Tara Ray-Smith from The Period Collective Iowa. Here is a snapshot of what their business is and what they plan to pitch at Flourish.

• Marissa at RisSewn promotes and provides sustainable clothing and accessories. Marissa wants to provide people with alternatives to the fast fashion cycle and teach sewing classes and workshops. If Marissa receives the funding, RisSewn would offer free sewing and mending workshops and use a portion to pay for the needed materials, space rental, etc. Funds would also support a scholarship program for free spots, as well as beginner-friendly sewing machines.
• Joy at The Joy of Curls makes plant-based textured hair care with a mission to donate products to the foster care community. Joy is in the process of developing a training course curriculum that teaches textured hair care and cultural competency. If Joy receives funds from Flourish, they will be used to buy equipment needed to support the course as well as R&D to provide more plant-based hair and skin care products.
• Tara at The Period Collective DSM focuses on offering dynamic and educational period parties. By providing a fun and supportive environment, The Period Collective DSM aims to break down the stigma surrounding puberty and menstruation. If Tara receives Flourish funding, the company plans to purchase materials for anatomically appropriate items for events. Funds will also go towards training costs at Eyes Open Iowa to cover the cost of the Certified Sexual Health Educator program.

Each finalist will each get five minutes to pitch their idea to a live audience at The Tea Room in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and leave with the money from ticket sales.

There are so many ways to support the people in and around DSM and this is another opportunity. Consider attending this year’s event to show these business owners that their ideas and voices are worth hearing and investing in. Register today!

The Greater Des Moines Partnership celebrates the Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur community and helps small businesses succeed with one-of-a-kind resources and opportunities for networking. Find out how other entrepreneurs have found success by reading their stories and attending local small business events in the region.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.