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Downtown Farmers’ Market Announces Return Of Incubator Program To Support Underrepresented Small Businesses

January 31, 2023

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Jan. 31, 2023) – The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines has announced the return of the incubator program to support underrepresented small and/or startup businesses at The Market during the 2023 season. The program will continue its goal of improving access and economic growth for local small, minority and historically disenfranchised businesses across Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Market welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors each Saturday, providing program participants with a higher level of visibility.  

To participate in the incubator program, a business must be owned, operated and actively managed by one or more persons who fall into one or more of the following categories: historically underrepresented and underserved groups including communities of color, women, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans or LGBTQ+. Businesses must also sell locally grown/handmade items — no resale or wholesale options will be accepted.  

New this year, vendors interested in participating in the incubator program are encouraged to participate in the small business bootcamp at the Evelyn K. Davis Center. The next bootcamp offered will begin on Monday, Feb. 6. The bootcamp will run for three consecutive Mondays Feb. 6, 13 and 20 from Noon – 3 p.m., in-person at the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families at 1171 Seventh St., Des Moines, 50314. Registration is available online. 

Applicants of the incubator program must also be new to The Market and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Have been in business for two to four years. 
  • Have between $40,000 – $90,000 in demonstrated annual sales. 
  • Have participated in the bootcamp.  

Interested parties can reach out to Megan Renkel, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager at mrenkel@downtowndsmusa.com for more information about how to qualify. Interested vendors can also reach out to Curtis Baugh at gcbaugh@dmacc.edu for more information about the Evelyn K. Davis Bootcamp. 

The Market is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. The Downtown Farmers’ Market opening day will be Saturday, May 6, 2023. 

Learn more about the incubator program on The Market’s website. 

About the Downtown Farmers’ Market  

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning May – October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The Market also produces a Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November and December. Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownFarmersMarket and on Twitter and Instagram at @dtfarmersmarket.  

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.