The Spark DSM Business Incubator empowers new and early-stage small businesses by providing both event access and educational resources to help them grow. This program supports vendors at signature Greater Des Moines Partnership events including the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health, World Food & Music Festival and Out to Lunch.
Check out the featured Spark DSM vendors at the 2025 Downtown Farmers' Market.
Participants gain real-world experience selling their products while also benefiting from year-round business education through the program. This five-module curriculum covers essential topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, legal compliance, and networking, ensuring vendors have the tools and knowledge to succeed long-term. Learn more about the curriculum below.
The Spark DSM Business Incubator is designed to foster economic growth, inclusivity and innovation across the region, helping small businesses thrive in DSM’s vibrant marketplace.
Apply for the Program
Applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Subscribe to our Small Business Resources Newsletter to receive announcements about future application periods and other program news.
Program Requirements
To participate in the Spark DSM Program, a business must be owned, operated and actively managed by one or more persons who sell locally grown/handmade items — no resale or wholesale options will be accepted.
Applicants of the Spark DSM Incubator program must be new to the event they are applying to join, and meet one of the following requirements:
- Have been in business for one to four years.
- Have between $40,000 – $90,000 in demonstrated annual sales.
- Have participated in the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families small business programming. For more information on this programming reach out to Sam Early at sdearly@dmacc.edu.
- A letter of recommendation from a community partner organization.