Spark DSM Business Incubator Selects 2026 Cohort
28 small businesses gain hands-on event experience and business education
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 9, 2026) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership announces its 2026 cohort for the Spark DSM Business Incubator presented by Principal® Foundation, supporting 28 new and early-stage small businesses across Greater Des Moines.
The Spark DSM program provides entrepreneurs with access to high-traffic events, business education and mentorship opportunities. As part of the program, participants complete a six-module educational series focused on key areas of small business development, including business fundamentals, financial planning, marketing strategies, legal compliance, networking and access to additional resources.
“At Principal®, we’re committed to helping small businesses turn opportunity into momentum,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director at Principal® Foundation and Community Relations. “Spark DSM pairs entrepreneurs with hands-on experience, education and resources that help them build stronger businesses—and in turn, stronger communities across Greater Des Moines.”
Of the 28 businesses in the 2026 cohort, 22 will serve as onsite vendors at Partnership signature events, including the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health, World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union and Out to Lunch.
“These events provide a unique, high-visibility platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and engage directly with customers,” said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events at The Partnership. “Spark DSM builds on that experience by giving them the tools and mentorship they need to grow with confidence.”
The 2026 cohort represents a diverse group of entrepreneurs across food, retail, wellness and service-based businesses including:
Onsite Vendors (22)
- Ayman Mom’s Kitchen
- Baking it with Keesh
- Brooklyn’s Designs
- By Creative Heart
- Cozy, Pls
- Daily Grind, LLC
- Francie Jean’s
- Handful of Made
- HT Healthy Cakes
- Luvcat Baking Co.
- Matcha Luv
- MIXXT Premium Sea Moss Gel & Juice
- Muddy Puddles Ice Cream
- Nanna’s Kitchen / Local Bites Marketplace
- Rachel Reloaded LLC
- Rebel Farms
- Soil to Soul LLC
- Swiftly Rising Bakery
- Tacos del Robert
- Thrive In Nature
- Women of the World
- YoJoKun
Curriculum Only Participants (6):
- Carpella & Co. Customs
- Miramar Commercial Cleaning (two participants)
- Quantum Hypnosis Soul Healing, LLC
- Tars Ear Dazzle and Appointed Apparel LLC
- Trippy Pride
“We’re excited to welcome this year’s Spark DSM cohort and create opportunities for small businesses,” said Emily McLain, Regional Affiliates and Member Support Manager at The Partnership. “We look forward to seeing how this year’s participants grow, connect and make an impact across Greater Des Moines.”
Spark DSM is presented by Principal® Foundation and in association with the Evelyn K. Davis Center.
For more information or to express interest in participating in future programs, visit DSMpartnership.com or complete the interest form here.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
About Principal® Foundation
Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal® Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.