Spark DSM Business Incubator

The Spark DSM Business Incubator program supports small and/or startup businesses at major events in Greater Des Moines (DSM) including the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, World Food & Music Festival, Out to Lunch, and others. The Incubator’s goal is to improve access and economic growth for local small businesses across DSM.  

Selected vendors that apply to the Downtown Farmers’ Market will get multiple dates at The Market ranging through the season. Vendors will also have access to year-round classes and supplemental education. 

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 two 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 bootcamp. 

Interested in applying? Applications are now open for the 2024 season. Applications open year-round. 

Apply Now

Interested parties can reach out to Elizabeth Weyers, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager at eweyers@downtowndsmusa.com for more information about how to qualify. Interested vendors can also reach out to Sam Early at sdearly@dmacc.edu for more information about programming at the Evelyn K. Davis Center. 

The Spark DSM Business Program is sponsored by Principal and EMC Insurance. Other partners include Evelyn K. Davis Center, Center at Sixth and LadyLike. 

Sponsored by

 

In Partnership with