How to Start a Business in DSM in 2022

Here at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, we are dedicated to helping small businesses find the services and resources they need to help them succeed. As we enter 2022, many of you might be considering how to move forward with your business idea or expand your business, whether that be in the form of starting a franchise or incorporating and owning an LLC. We’ve compiled a few helpful links to get you started on your journey below.

Making It Happen in 2022

Thanks to IASourceLink, the steps to set up a business in Iowa are outlined in a free, easy-to-follow guide. Read about developing a business plan, registering your business, understanding taxes, licensing obligations, finding capital and funding your small business and more. Once you’ve completed those steps, it’s time to dive in and make your first sale before you begin marketing, networking and finding resources that will help you grow your business on an ongoing basis. IASourceLink also has information on starting a nonprofit or online business, and if you need help navigating this new information, it’s easy to get help with the chat function on iasourcelink.com, which puts you immediately in touch with the experts.

America’s SBDC Iowa (SBDC) is another resource that answers common questions about starting a business. Check out their FAQ online resource to find out about obtaining a sales tax permit, special licensure, labor laws and more.

Upcoming Events

There’s no time like the present when it comes to going after your dreams. To help you prepare to make your business idea a reality in 2022, attend an interactive workshop with the Iowa Center for Economic Success. “Small Business Essential: Ready to Make It Happen In 2022?” will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 14 from Noon until 1 p.m. with Michelle Rembert presenting. The owner of Momentom3 Mind Body & Beyond, LLC, will inspire you take action in the new year.

SBDC also offers workshops across the state for those interested in starting their own business. Check out the Start Smart – NIACC Webinar from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. It’s a free opportunity to learn about customer research, startup costs, business plans and more.

As you get started on your startup journey, be sure to look over The Partnership’s How to Start a Business Checklist, as well as the many other resources in our Small Business Hub. And don’t miss the Raising Capital Seminar Series, held bi-annually in the spring and fall. This event covers how to raise capital for startups, focusing on equity financing. Topics include: Raising Capital, the Financial Model, the Capitalization Table, the Pitch and Due Diligence and the Term Sheet.

If you’re considering starting a business in DSM in 2022, we hope you’ll find it to be a seamless process. Sign up for the 2022 Small Business Success Summit and gain insight from keynote speakers and industry leaders, participate in workshops with fellow business owners and engage in in-depth conversations at various breakout sessions that will help you prepare for the next steps to building your business. You can also find assistance by emailing Diana Wright, startup community builder, Sanjita Pradhan, director of diversity and inclusion, who focuses on support for foreign-born business owners in DSM, or myself at cmoffatt@DSMpartnership.com.

Looking for tools to help grow your startup or small business? Visit the Small Business Resources Hub to find the information you need or sign up for Mentor Connection to build relationships with a trusted group of mentors.