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Greater Des Moines Partnership Releases Inclusive Business Strategies Research Results

September 19, 2022

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 19, 2022) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has released results from the Inclusive Business Strategies Research conducted by Bâton Global this year to understand how to better serve traditionally underrepresented entrepreneurs and small business owners.  

The study results included a summary of opportunities found through research including focus groups with diverse small business owners (SBOs), survey responses from SBOs, interviews with entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) and best practices from other communities.  

The purpose of the Inclusive Business Strategies Research was to define pathways for existing resources to build inclusive, sustainable entrepreneur-centric economies to provide stakeholders with ideas, connections and tools needed to be successful. This initiative aims to establish a system that will proactively build relationships with diverse entrepreneurs and supporting organizations to advance inclusive entrepreneurship and serve as a resource for others in the field surrounding the advancement of inclusive entrepreneurship. 

The interviews, focus groups and a community survey with Greater Des Moines (DSM) ESOs and SBOs revealed opportunities for: 

  • Collaborative action
  • Community-based programs in inclusive neighborhoods 
  • Flexible capital through targeted financial support
  • Direct outreach

The results indicated that, ultimately, diverse small business owners need increased access to capital, networks and resources.  

“Building an inclusive entrepreneur economy is vital to the success of our entire region,” said Meg Schneider, Senior Vice President of Business Resources and Community Development at The Partnership. “The results from the Inclusive Business Strategies research are the foundational steps that our community can take to begin to build a greater, more inclusive space for our entrepreneurs and small business owners.” 

Review more results from the Inclusive Business Strategies Research 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 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.