Applications Open For Spark DSM Business Incubator For Upcoming Events
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (March 20, 2024) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the Spark DSM Business Incubator program has opened applications for upcoming events. The Spark DSM Business Incubator was started in 2022 to serve the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and has expanded to include other events, including the World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union and Out to Lunch.
“We look forward to the return of the Spark DSM Business Incubator program that connects new vendors to attendees of major events and intentionally welcomes small business owners with diverse backgrounds and product offerings that may be interested in becoming full-time vendors in the future,” said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events at The Partnership. “This collaboration continues to strengthen our ability to provide event visitors with resources from vendors they otherwise may not have known about.”
Applicants of the Spark DSM Business Incubator must be new to the event they are applying to join, and meet one of the following requirements:
- Have been in business for two to four years.
- Have between $40,000 – $90,000 in demonstrated annual sales.
- Have participated in programming at the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families.
Selected vendors who apply for the Downtown Farmers’ Market will get multiple dates at The Market ranging through the season. Vendors will also have access to year-round classes and supplemental education.
“For any small business owner that has thought about getting involved in one of these major events, we invite them to gain an understanding of how they can achieve it through this program,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director, Principal® Foundation and Community Relations.
“Principal is committed to helping people reach financial security and strives to eliminate barriers for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses, and we are excited to see what these business owners bring to the marketplace.”
Applications are open year-round. Those interested in applying for the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union, Out to Lunch and other pop-up events can fill out an application to be considered. Applications can be found here.
“The Spark DSM Business Incubator continues to be a great opportunity for our Greater Des Moines community members to learn about and support local businesses in their community,” said Beth Nigut, Executive Vice President of EMC Insurance. “Our goal with Spark DSM is to encourage attendees to experience the value these diverse businesses provide to our communities."
The Spark DSM Program is sponsored by Principal and EMC Insurance. Other partners include Evelyn K. Davis Center, Center at Sixth and LadyLike.
Learn more about the Spark DSM Business Incubator on The Partnership’s website.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 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.