2025 Cohort ParticipantsThis year's cohort is the fourth Scale DSM cohort and participants include:
- Nadia Ahissou, Nadia's French Bakery, LLC
- Magdalena Aravena Gutierrez, Studio Siembra
- Kyle Doyle, Iowa Distilling Company
- Lori Gelhaar, Leverage4
- Justin Gora, General Cab USA
- Andrew Johnson, 21st Century Trading Company LLC
- Riana LeJeune, Repinned Luxury Upholstery Workroom
- Ana Maceda, Crown Cleaning LLC
- Dulce Manjarrez, Candy’s Cleaning
- Shayla McCormally, McCormally & Cosgrove, PLLC
- Tim Morris, Maple Creek Construction, Inc
- Jennifer Oredson, Dinner Dispatch
- Matthew Palan, Creative Concepts
- Marilyn Perez Garcia, Modas Marilyn
- Thla Sui, Thla Sui Agency
- LeAnn Thongvanh, Dinner Dispatch
- Brandy Werner, Werner's Elite Auto
- Aniekanabasi White, Sensiil Studios
- RaeLynn Whitfield, Whitfield's Lawn and Garden Specialist, LLC
- Ventica Woods, Mama Africa LLC
Program Details
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed.
The program is tuition free and dedicated to assisting small businesses to help continue to sustain growth across Greater Des Moines (DSM).
Participants will complete Interise’s award-winning and internationally recognized StreetWise program, which is centered around practical, case-based peer learning for businesses.
Supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation, the program helps businesses gain access to knowledge, management know-how and networks needed to increase revenue, create jobs and positively impact the community.
The program will run from the kickoff on Thursday, July 17 until graduation on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.
Applicant Requirements
- $150,000 – $4 million in annual revenues
- One other full-time employee besides the owner(s)
- Been in business for at least two years
- Willingness and ability to attend class for seven months, complete mandatory assignments and complete program surveys, up to three years following the program
- The application asks for business information including a description of the business, founding date, number of employees, annual revenue and plans for the future.
Core-Based Peer Learning for Businesses
Scale DSM Business Accelerator powered by Interise is centered around practical, case-based peer learning for businesses. Programming is divided into five modules and participants will be required to attend one session every other week. Module topics include business strategy and leadership, financial management, sales and marketing, talent and capital resources and strategic-growth action plan. Course sessions will be delivered in person, during business hours and participants must commit to attending each session.