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Greater Des Moines Partnership Announces Participants Of Second Scale DSM Cohort

June 13, 2023

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (June 13, 2023) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the participants of the next Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator cohort. The cohort will run from June – December. Scale DSM is sponsored by Wells Fargo. 

Scale DSM helps businesses gain access to knowledge, management know-how and networks needed to increase revenue, create jobs and positively impact the community. Participants will complete Interise’s award-winning and internationally recognized StreetWise ‘MBA,’ (minority business accelerator) which is centered around practical, case-based peer learning for minority-led businesses. 

“The Partnership is looking forward to hosting the next cohort of Scale DSM,” said Juan Pablo Sanchez, Director of Inclusive Business Strategies at The Partnership. “The first cohort was a great success. This next cohort will learn and grow their business exponentially over the next six months.” 

Participants in the second cohort of Scale DSM are: 

  • Amner Martinez: Infinite Resources 
  • Perlla Deluca: Southeast Constructors, INC. 
  • Nizigiyimana Danifodi: Danifodi Custom Suit 
  • Marla Rae Earp: XoXo Gift & Home 
  • Stephanie Rodriguez: Iowa First Call Towing 
  • Mariella Maya: Panka Peruvian Restaurant 
  • Yen Verhoeven: Qi Learning Research Group
  • Blanca Plascencia: El Fogon Mexican Restaurant 
  • Carol Olech: Sydney Farms LLC 
  • Claudia Campo: That’s Clean 
  • Sharlonda Roorda: Shar's Hair Salon 

“Scale DSM strengthens small businesses, and small businesses employ nearly half of all Americans,” said Laura Howe, region branch banking director at Wells Fargo and board member of the Greater Des Moines Partnership executive committee. “Entrepreneurs like those in this next cohort are vital for central Iowa, and we’re proud to support them.” 

To learn more about Scale DSM, visit 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 24 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