Small Business and Startup Resources

The Greater Des Moines Partnership offers the tools you need to help grow your small business or startup. From online resources on topics like how to start a business, finance, banking and capital, marketing, hiring and events for small business, The Partnership is here to help.

For more information, contact The Partnership's small business and startup experts.

Connect with Resource Partners

The DSM community has a wide range of organizations that can serve as resource partners for small businesses and startup companies to grow their business. See this Resource Compass in the DSM Small Business Hub to find information on potential resources across the region.

Connect with Resources

Get Business Counseling

Is your small business looking for advice on how to get to the next level? Fill out this form on the DSM Small Business Hub to request assistance through The Partnership’s network.

Get Business Counseling

Programs and Events

The Partnership presents several programs and events throughout the year focused on small businesses:

Find other small business and entrepreneurship events on The Partnership Events calendar.

Small Business Resources Newsletter

Learn more about small business and startup resources available through The Partnership, as well as events and news to help grow your business. Sign up for the Small Business Resources Newsletter.

Startup Stories DSM Podcast

Get inspired by listening to success stories from local small businesses and startups on the Startup Stories DSM podcast series.

Community Resources

Small business owners in DSM can access numerous resources from community partners, including:

Small Business Resources by Topic

Monarca Paletas Handcrafted Ice Cream in Clive, Iowa How to Start a Business, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories

Pick your paleta, dipping, toppings and drizzle to customize your own gourmet paleta in Clive, Iowa.

Pepp’s Pizzeria – Takeout Pizza Only in Grimes, Iowa How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Whether you want pizza by the slice or a whole pie, Pepp’s Pizzeria pizzas are some of the best around!

Pints By Beth – Highland Park in Des Moines, Iowa How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Pints By Beth offers September ice cream flavors like Mixed Berry Sorbet and Sweet Corn & Blackberry.

Small Business Spotlight: Leona Ruby | Downtown Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Read all about Leona Ruby, a Downtown Des Moines jewelry & accessories shop in the Historic East Village. 

Coffee Cats Café – Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Coffee Cats is now a staple of West Des Moines’ Historic Valley Junction district.

Small Business: Lillie Mae Chocolates | Marshalltown, Iowa How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Lillie Mae Chocolates is a local candy shop in Marshalltown, Iowa specializing in hand-dipped chocolate.

The Eggroll Ladies – Small Business in Greater Des Moines Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories

The Eggroll Ladies partner with the Greater Des Moines Partnership on events like the World Food & Music Festival.

Reyes Tamales – Small Business in Greater Des Moines Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories

Attending events like the Multicultural Reception is helping Arturo Reyes to grow his business, Reyes Tamales.

Notes on Iowa with Historian Kevin Mason How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Kevin Mason discusses how the history of Iowa affects the resiliency of nature in here.

Small Business Spotlight: Zavy Kitchen | Downtown Des Moines How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories

Zavy Kitchen is a new-to-the-scene Downtown Des Moines restaurant with authentic Vietnamese food.

Nadia’s French Bakery Croissants in Greater Des Moines Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Pick up French Country Bread, Baguettes or Vienna Bread at Nadia’s French Bakery in Des Moines.

Little G’s Treats: Small Business in Windsor Heights, Iowa Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories

Little G’s Treats grows in Greater Des Moines thanks to the Spark DSM Business Incubator Program.

Register Now for the 2024 Small Business Success Summit Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, IT & Data, Legal, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories, Succession Planning

Learn how to launch or grow your business at the Small Business Success Summit on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Flowstate Health Startup Story in Greater Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Hear about reverse engineering mental healthcare from Flowstate Health Founder Steven Slye.

Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness in Greater Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Hear how Courtney Buhrow started Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness in Greater Des Moines.

Immigrant Coffee Shop Owner Shares Insight for Small Business Owners How to Start a Business, Success Stories

As co-owner of Mars Café, Kuuku Saah is looking to grow the Mars brand in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Bread by Chelsa B Success in Greater Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Bread by Chelsa B specializes in sourdough, but also features focaccia, donuts and more.

A Small Business Owner Builds Coffee Business in Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Northern Vessel’s owner, T.J. Rude, focuses on bringing hospitality to the forefront of the coffee industry.

Global Entrepreneurship Week Events Taking Place in Des Moines Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring

Local entrepreneurs can level up their skills by participating in Global Entrepreneurship Week events.

Hopeful Heights Nonprofit Organization in Greater Des Moines How to Start a Business, Success Stories

For Karen Ziebarth, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams support the selfless and raise funds at events nationwide.

Small Business Fall Event Roundup Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales

Check out the events happening in September, October and November for small business owners in Greater Des Moines.

Small Business Hub — Resource Compass and Business Counseling Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, IT & Data, Legal, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories, Succession Planning

Additions to the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Small Business Hub will further help support local entrepreneurs.

InnoVenture Iowa Fund | Entrepreneurship in Iowa Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business

$1.8 million and counting is being invested in Iowa startups through the InnoVenture Iowa fund.

How to Start a Business in Iowa Guide How to Start a Business

Learn the right steps that can help you establish a small business in Iowa.

Scott Keplinger – IntelliSee in Iowa Startup Story How to Start a Business, Success Stories

IntelliSee detects threats using real-time AI software to help businesses protect their time, money and employees.

2023 National Entrepreneurship Week – Partnership Resources Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Success Stories

As an entrepreneur, the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s resources will help elevate your mindset and small business.

Toney & Sarah Chem – 5 Borough Bagels Startup Story How to Start a Business, Success Stories

5 Borough Bagels serves up bagels while focusing on community partnerships that strengthen their customer base.

Benefits and Challenges for Small Business Owners Additional Resources, How to Start a Business

Look for opportunities and available resources around Greater Des Moines (DSM) to help build your business.

Northern Vessel Startup Story – Coffee at Keo Way How to Start a Business, Success Stories

T.J. Rude describes going from a coffee cart to a location on Keo Way in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

Women Entrepreneurship Day Spotlight on Services Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Women business owners can find tools and resources to navigate their small business journey at Bank of America.

Sales for Startups Workshop – Greater Des Moines Partnership Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring

The Sales for Startups Workshop will welcome featured speakers Andrew Kirpalani, Brad Williams and Mollie Bodensteiner.

Small Business Boost Initiative in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business

An opportunity for financial coaching and other tools for entrepreneurs is available through the new program.

Des Moines Entrepreneur Makes History with Goldman Sachs How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Joy Hankins chosen for the inaugural Black in Business cohort with Goldman Sachs.

Scale DSM Q+A - Bernard Johnson Events & Networking, How to Start a Business

Bernard Johnson answers questions about the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.

Opportunities for Small Business Owners in DSM Events & Networking, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales

Learn about volunteering with SCORE and taking advantage of local business classes at DMACC.

Sevelyn - Mental Wellbeing for Latinos How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Carlos Arguello discusses growing up with an interest in entrepreneurship and creating Sevelyn.

2022 Small Business Success Summit Keynote Takeaways Accounting & Taxes, Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business, IT & Data, Legal, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories, Succession Planning

Nick Sarillo and Dima Ghawi offered advice to small business owners during the 2022 Small Business Success Summit.

Tips for Starting a Small Business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Sophia S. Ahmad shares how she utilized Partnership resources when founding her own business.

Top Five Ways to Achieve Personal and Business Financial Goals Accounting & Taxes, How to Start a Business, Staffing & Hiring, Succession Planning

The Entrepreneurial EquationT helps educate business owners on strategies for building and running a business.

Tracking Your Small Business Finances in 2022 Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business

Iowa Center for Economic Success will help your small business be "always ready."

Small Business Administration Tips for Small Businesses in 2022 Events & Networking, How to Start a Business

The Small Business Administration offers free online courses to help you launch and grow your business in 2022.

Starting a Business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) in 2022 Events & Networking, How to Start a Business

Learn some tips and find resources on starting a business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) in 2022.

Community Encourages Greater Des Moines (DSM) Entrepreneur How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Terrence Thames explains how he founded Cocoa Creative to help brands with their visual storytelling.

Speaker Jill Andersen in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Additional Resources, How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Get past the fears in your life and learn how to take charge of your life and choices to find success.

Black and Brown Business Summit in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Events & Networking, How to Start a Business

The Summit seeks to position Iowa as the best place in the nation to start a minority business.

Attend the 2020 Raising Capital Seminar Series Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business

The process of raising funds to take your business to the next level is as simple as registering now.

Des Moines Startup TradeLabs Connects Trade Experts to Investors How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Nick Eltjes and Noah Loffredo share their experience starting TradeLabs in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Muddy Bites Finds Success in Greater Des Moines (DSM) How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Muddy Bites co-founders detail developing and marketing their product and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One World Supplies Small Business and Startup Stories How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories

Sul Huq describes his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of DSM-startup One World Supplies.

Bunker Labs in Greater Des Moines (DSM) How to Start a Business

Bunker Labs, a nonprofit that helps veterans and the military community become entrepreneurs, launches in DSM.

Denim Social Prepares for Growth How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Greg Bailey discusses Denim Social, how he transitioned his startup team and his forecast for the future.

How to Juggle Ideas and Maintain Flexibility Additional Resources, How to Start a Business

Joseph Benesh gives advice for implementing strategic plans without losing focus.

Techstars Iowa Considers Impact of COVID-19 How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Kerty Levy explains her journey to managing Techstars Iowa and how COVID-19 is impacting the accelerator.

How to Manage Company Remotely Additional Resources, How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories

Lana Fox discusses sales and communication tools for managing ClinicNote remotely.

Top Podcast for DSM Small Businesses and Startups Additional Resources, How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Learn from a Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur through the top downloaded Startup Stories DSM podcast.

Number 2, 3 Podcasts for DSM Small Businesses and Startups How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Learn from two more Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneurs through the top Startup Stories DSM podcasts.

Women Find Parenting, Business Opportunities with DSM Resources How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Erin Huiatt discusses her journey as a women-business owner in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Harley Davidson Motor Company Story How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales

Ken Schmidt explains how Harley Davidson built its customer base and created a loyal corporate culture.

Tractor Zoom Recognizes Opportunities as Data Provider How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Kyle McMahon explains how his early experiences led him to create farm machinery auction site, Tractor Zoom.

BetterHireS Evens Playing Field for High Schoolers How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Kiki Levy discusses her business Better HireS and its ability to connect high school talent to business needs.

Episode 39: Sustainable Accessories in DSM - Dona Bela Shreds How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Allison Davidson Motoyama discusses her startup journey, including local opportunities and website marketing.

Episode 28: WorkHound and the Importance of Employee Happiness How to Start a Business, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories

Max Farrell and Andrew Kirpalani talk about starting WorkHound and the lessons they learned along the way.

DSM USA Community Support Vital to Small Businesses How to Start a Business

Finding small business success in DSM depends on collaboration and experienced experts.

Understanding the Changing of Ownership in Existing Small Businesses Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business

Entrepreneurs find value in existing small businesses, according to the Small Business Administration.

Checklist for How to Start a Business How to Start a Business

Not sure where to start with launching your business? Start here.

Workplace Wellness Resources How to Start a Business

Download easy-to-use toolkits and other resources to support employee workplace wellness.

Overcoming the Challenges: ScoreYard Startup Success How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Des Moines small business owner discusses startup challenges and how he overcomes them.

Disaster Recovery for Small Businesses Additional Resources, How to Start a Business, IT & Data

Learn how to outline the necessary steps to ensure you and your organization are at the ready before, during and after disaster strikes.

Small Business First Steps: How to Protect Your Business Name Additional Resources, How to Start a Business

Protecting your small business name should be a top priority. Learn how.

Look Local First in DSM Additional Resources, How to Start a Business

Learn how to support local startups and small businesses within the DSM USA community.

Develop a Strong Business Plan for Your Small Business How to Start a Business

Executive summaries and market analysis are essential elements of strong business plans.

Mentor Impact on Small Businesses How to Start a Business

Business owners agree that mentors play a significant role on their small businesses.

Small Businesses: Stay a Sole Proprietorship or Incorporate? How to Start a Business

Incorporating or forming an LLC can lead to larger contracts and capital opportunities.

Financial Model Seminar Finance, Banking & Capital, How to Start a Business

Learn how to determine the amount of capital you will need and when your company will become profitable.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Small Businesses How to Start a Business

Assess marketing options and evaluate inventory to ready your small business for summer.

Female Small Business Owners Find Support and Success in DSM USA How to Start a Business, Success Stories

Services grow for female business owners looking to start a business or expand one.

Become a Small Business Owner by Starting a Franchise How to Start a Business

A franchise has a high rate of success and is a way to start your own small business.

Find Small Business Success into the Spring Season How to Start a Business

After the holiday season, reboot your small business with these simple tips for success.

Top Five Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate How to Start a Business

When making a commercial real estate decision, identify the right questions to find your future location.

Learn How to Create a Web Presence for Your Small Business How to Start a Business, Marketing & Sales

A website and social media presence are vital to marketing your small business online.