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

Uptown Ankeny New Businesses Share Space Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
The Funky Zebras Boutique, XoXo Gift & Home and Gladdies have found a home at Shops on 3rd.
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How to Offer Great Service and Connect with Consumers Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Businesses must understand emergent technology, address customer complaints and optimize their digital presence.
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Southeast Constructors Entrepreneur Field Days Visit Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Greater Des Moines business owners heard from Southeast Constructors during a recent Entrepreneur Field Days event.
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2024 Scale DSM Business Accelerator in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
In 2024, Scale DSM participants attended five modules and presented growth plans for their business.
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Top Five for Small Business Brand Communication Tips Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Learn practical tips for marketing your business at The Partnership’s August Top Five event.
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Dotdash Meredith Good Impressions Small Business Program Marketing & Sales
Dotdash Meredith Good Impressions bridges the wealth and social gap for minority-owned small businesses.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Small Business Spotlight: Daisy Chain Coffee | Downtown DSM Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring, Success Stories
Daisy Chain Coffee, a Downtown Des Moines coffeeshop, combines raw Iowa honey with its handcrafted coffee drinks.
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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.
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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.
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Small Businesses and Transaction Processing Innovation IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Greater Des Moines small businesses can utilize transaction processing innovations to encourage consumer engagement.
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2024 Influencer Marketing Trends Marketing & Sales
These five influencer marketing trends are set to reshape the way brands connect and engage with their audiences.
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2024 Small Business Trends — Challenges and Opportunities Additional Resources, IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Small Business Administration outlines five trends for small businesses to consider in 2024.
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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.
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2023 Scale DSM Participants Q+A Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
Perlla Deluca and Nizigiyimana Danifodi are participating in the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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Lily Allen-Dueñas Celebrates 100th Podcast Episode Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
The founder of Wild Yoga Tribe talks about bringing global perspectives to her Wild Yoga Tribe podcast.
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Successful Sales Strategies for Startups and Small Businesses Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Sales strategies involve identifying the players, planning points of progress and more.
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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.
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OctPRfest 2023 in West Des Moines, Iowa Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
PRSA Iowa is offering Greater Des Moines Partnership Members a discounted entry to the event.
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David Tracy – Northgate Marketing Startup Story Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
David Tracy works with clients around the globe creating marketing campaigns through branding, web design and more.
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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.
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Connecting with Customers Through Digital Platforms Marketing & Sales
Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses can utilize the power of social media to drive sales and growth.
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Retirement Planning and Writing About Your Passions Marketing & Sales, Succession Planning
Position yourself as the expert so you can communicate to your audience.
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Maximizing Local Partnerships to Create Community in Des Moines Marketing & Sales
Through brand partnerships and community collaboration, Greater Des Moines businesses can improve their reach.
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Optimize Your Website with Google My Business Marketing & Sales
Optimizing your website’s SEO with Google My Business is a great way to put your business in the spotlight.
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Providing Value and Making Meaningful Connections in Business Marketing & Sales
Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses that create valuable content can impact consumer confidence.
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Shopping Experience Trends in 2023 Marketing & Sales
Learn how to build community and connection with customers physically and digitally through four strategies.
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Joy of Curls – 2022 Downtown Farmers’ Market Incubator Program Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Joy Hankins connected to the DSM community through the Incubator Program after starting her business in 2021.
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2022 Holiday Shopping Season in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Marketing & Sales
This year, retailers should be marketing deals and launching promotions now to capture holiday shopping dollars.
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Scale DSM Q+A with Minority Small Business Owners Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
Lilly Okech, Isabel Contreras and Monica Reyes are participating in the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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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.
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Pros and Cons of Expanding a Small Business Online IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Your business can grow as your digital footprint grows — through your website, social media pages and more.
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Local Business School – Winter 2022 Session Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Entrepreneurs will level up digital marketing skills and determine key strategies to implement in the new year.
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Developing a Clear Strategic Plan for Your Small Business Marketing & Sales
Learn the effectiveness of removing clickbait and focusing on clear and concise planning.
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Greater Des Moines (DSM) Guide for Customer Loyalty Marketing & Sales
Learn about creating customer loyalty for your business and building rapport with your customers.
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2022 Scale DSM Participants Q+A Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
Latha Kumar, Shelana Laing and Andres Rodriguez are participating in the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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Digital Marketing for Greater Des Moines (DSM) Marketing & Sales
Learn about online outreach and the importance of digital marketing for business growth.
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Create Memorable Marketing and Develop an Authentic Brand Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Lisa Even shares the top ways to create memorable marketing for your small business.
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Propel - Fractional CMO Services Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Learn about spending money to make money with Propel, new subscription-based CMO service.
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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.
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2022 Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator Applications Open Accounting & Taxes, Events & Networking, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales
Apply now for the inaugural cohort of the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator.
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Why Target Marketing and Customer Segmentation Works Marketing & Sales
Learn why small businesses profit and grow by focusing on the ideal client or target customer.
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Meta Boost in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Learn tips and tricks for building your online presence and engaging with the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community.
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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.
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Business Marketing Trends for 2022 Marketing & Sales
Stay competitive and ahead of the curve with these vital marketing trends for 2022.
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Establishing a Sustainable Competitive Advantage Marketing & Sales
Businesses can steer clear of fear-based marketing and create competitive products with new ideas.
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Small Business and Startup Stories DSM Podcast Year in Review Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
The Partnership shares a review of the 2021 startup community and an overview for what 2022 will look like.
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Small Business Marketing Strategies That Work Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales
Learn how Greater Des Moines (DSM) small business can market using free services and loans.
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Euphoria Cakes in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
A passion for cake decorating became the catalyst for a new career and move to Greater Des Moines (DSM).
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Lola's Fine Kitchen Heats Up in DSM Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Hannah Elliott shares the startup story behind Lola's Fine Kitchen in Greater Des Moines (DSM)
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Social Media E-commerce for Greater Des Moines (DSM) Businesses Marketing & Sales
Jamie Lamb and Courtney O'Connell share tips for social media e-commerce success.
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Top Five Developing Marketing Plan for Businesses Marketing & Sales
Tamara Kenworthy lays out five steps to create a marketing plan for your Greater Des Moines (DSM) business.
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Social Media and Civility Webinar Marketing & Sales
Jay Byers, Beth Shelton and Shekinah Young join Scott Raecker to discuss tips for social media civility.
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Top Five Ways for Small Business to Know Customers with Big Data IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Mike Larkin and Ted Davies explain targeting consumers and utilizing data to find success for your brand.
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AI Advertising and Big Data in Marketing IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
People hate to be sold to, but love to buy. Hear the top five ways you can better understand the customer journey.
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Velorosa Startup Story Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Velorosa's Kim Hopkins and Lisa Carponelli discuss designing women's cycling kits and the company in 2020.
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Five Q and Journity Startup Story Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Chad Williams discusses the ministry impact platform, Journity, and his Greater Des Moines (DSM) startup, Five Q.
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Crafting Your Elevator Pitch Marketing & Sales
Mackenzie Ryan Walters shares how storytelling turns into sales and reveals how to create the perfect pitch.
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Pivoting for Success for DSM Forward Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Three Greater Des Moines (DSM) small business owners talk pivoting during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Happy Medium Marketing Strategies for DSM Businesses Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Adam Gowen and Courtney Shaw discuss how businesses can adapt their marketing strategies and foster success.
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Kinseyco Digital Marketing Strategy for COVID-19 Additional Resources, IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Kinseyco lays out five steps for strategic digital marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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.
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Creativity and Innovation DSM Employment Ready Podcast Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales, Staffing & Hiring
Learn ways to prepare for the future world of work using creativity and innovation in business.
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Tips for Making the Most of the COVID-19 Crisis Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Sally Cooper Smith explains how create customer loyalty and strengthen your brand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Top Ways to Thrive During Economic Uncertainty Additional Resources, Finance, Banking & Capital, Marketing & Sales
Courtney DeRonde outlines the top five ways to manage times of crisis during economic uncertainty.
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Growing Your Business Using YouTube Marketing & Sales
Dave Meyer shares how to create and organize your channel, produce videos and use YouTube Live.
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Reaching Customers Online Through Google IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Use Google tools and resources to reach customers, appear in search results and advertise online.
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Driving Business Growth with Data IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Learn how to drive growth in your business using Google Analytics data to bring about results and leads.
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Marketing Experts Webinar for DSM Forward Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Drew McLellan of McLellan Marketing Group in Greater Des Moines (DSM) discusses marketing during the pandemic.
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Productivity and Engagement Tips During COVID-19 Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Doextra CRM Solutions account executives offer tips for increasing productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Successfully Manage a Remote Sales Team Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Benjamin Remp provides sales philosophies for managing a remote sales team during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Building an Effective Sales Process During COVID-19 Additional Resources, IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Andy Snook describes the importance of developing process maps for your business team.
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The Multiplier Effect of DSM Local Businesses Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Greater Des Moines (DSM) small businesses recirculate profit locally, creating a big impact on the region.
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Supporting Live Music Amid COVID-19 with DSM Startup HomeDitty Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Katie Byers explains ways to support local artists through virtual house concerts with HomeDitty.
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WINPRO's Affiliate Marketing Strategy Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Bill Bernardo offers affiliate marketing advice and lessons learned from WINPRO.
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DSM Businesses Selling Virtually on Social Media Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Greater Des Moines (DSM) business owners Liz Lidgett and Becky Pospisal share ideas for selling online.
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Flynn Wright Tips for Email Marketing During Sensitive Times Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Jeff White shares Flynn Wright's tips for email marketing and staying connected during COVID-19.
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Communicating with Customers During and After COVID-19 Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Torey Maerz shares the best ways to communicate during and after the pandemic, including social media tools.
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Rocket Referrals Solicits Feedback Through Net Promoter Systems Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Torey Maerz discusses Net Promoter Systems, including the key reasons marketers find them advantageous.
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Driving Demand Remotely with Drip Marketing Campaigns Webinar Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Kaylee Williams provides an inside look at how VolunteerLocal executes marketing and closes the sale.
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DSM Small Businesses Pivot to Deal with COVID-19 Crisis Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Christina Moffatt shares how Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses are changing course during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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.
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Remote Selling Virutal Event Suggests Tips, Tools for Success Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Mike Colwell outlines the Remote Selling event with Andy Snook, hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
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Working at Home During COVID-19 Pandemic Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
EventBank's Eric L. Schmidt explains how Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses can adapt to work at home.
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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.
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Write Once, Use Twice (or more!) Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Sally Cooper Smith discusses repurposing marketing content.
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Marketing on a Shoestring Budget Marketing & Sales
Dave Makin and Jay Casmirri discuss cost-effective marketing tools.
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Hyper Local Hype: The Rise of the Nano Influencer Marketing & Sales, Success Stories
Whitney Warne discusses hyperlocal influencer marketing at the Small Business Success Summit.
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Donations, Sponsorships, Ads = Overwhelmed Marketing & Sales
Tom Hudson, Crossroads Shooting Sports General Manager, discusses small business marketing tactics.
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Keep Your Business Relevant With Digital Marketing Trends Marketing & Sales
Learn how your organization can stay up-to-date on Google, Facebook, and other digital marketing trends that impact your marketing.
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Creating Effective Self-Promotion as a Solopreneur and Small Business Owner Additional Resources, Marketing & Sales
Commitment and discipline are essential for small businesses to execute effective strategies for self-promotion.
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Top Five Tips for Great Websites IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Uncover five tips and changes for small business owners to consider for their websites.
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Protect and Manage Your Small Business Online Brand IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Learn how to monitor your small business brand online through reviews and social media.
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Accelerating Sales Through Channel Management Marketing & Sales
AgriSync Founder discusses leveraging word-of-mouth and accelerating sales through channel management.
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Why Marketing Should Focus on Customer Acquisition Costs Marketing & Sales
Learn more about the price of customer acquisition costs for startup business owners.
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Top Five Marketing and Sales Apps for Small Business Owners IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Apps help small businesses gather data, increase workflow and manage operational tasks.
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Remote Sales Calls for Startups and Small Businesses Marketing & Sales
Fastpath founder discusses the anatomy of a remote sales call and how it will lead to success.
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Find Success in Growing Retail Through Events and Collaboration Additional Resources, Events & Networking, Marketing & Sales
Art Terrarium holds several Downtown DSM events each month to give customers a fun retail experience.
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Guide to Optimizing Your Online Presence Additional Resources, IT & Data, Marketing & Sales
Have you optimized your online presence? Learn to do so effectively with this quick how-to.
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Know Your Customers: What Motivates Buying Decisions Marketing & Sales
Understanding intellect and emotion as motivators is key to finding success and increasing sales.
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Five Ways to Find Your Sweet Spot Customer Marketing & Sales
Connie Anderson explains how startups create growth by finding their sweet spot customer.
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Top Five Marketing and Sales Tips for Small Business Success Marketing & Sales
Tiffany Tokarz explains marketing and sales tips to increase small business success.
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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.
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Sales Funnel Management for Startups and Small Businesses Marketing & Sales
FunnelWise Vice President discusses accelerating sales through sales funnel management.
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Social Media Marketing for Startups and Small Businesses Marketing & Sales
DSM USA experts talk social media marketing strategy for small businesses and startups.
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Selling the Invisible Book Offers Small Businesses Marketing Advice Marketing & Sales
McLellan Marketing Group CEO speaks on crafting marketing messages for customers.
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