Partnership Connects Suppliers to Local Agencies During Supplier Development Lunch and Learn

Alexson Calahan was one of many Greater Des Moines (DSM) business professionals to take part in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s recent Supplier Development Lunch and Learn in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) on Aug. 8, 2024. The event welcomed agencies from around the region, who highlighted ways to do business with them, encouraging local small businesses to reach out connect. Featured agencies included:

• Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS)
• City of Des Moines
• Des Moines International Airport
• Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
• LawMark Capital
• Principal
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• The Weitz Company
• Turner Construction
• Unity Point Health 

Calahan, who runs her own public relations company, Small Adventures Communications, took part in the event. She built her business from referrals and has run Small Adventures Communications for three years, reaching out locally and across Iowa to work with larger agencies and organizations, mainly in the nonprofit healthcare sector.

Thanks to the Supplier Development Lunch and Learn event, Calahan gained insight into the vetting processes of local agencies. Everyone in attendance at the event was open to working with new vendors, and it was helpful to understand the opportunities available. Hearing that agencies were open, especially, to working with women business owners was great for Calahan, who knows the ball is in her court to start the process with the agencies she wants to work with now that she’s on their radar.

“When you want to work with organizations that are really shifting the landscape of Iowa and Des Moines, they want to see that you’re capable of doing that big work,” Calahan said of the agencies in attendance. “So, I’m more than happy to be ready to jump in and show that.”

When working with nonprofits in healthcare space, Calahan makes sure to understand what opportunities are out there and ensure she’s in all the places she needs to be. Being knowledgeable about the certification process and what is required ensures that she is able to broaden the pool of potential partners she may work with in the future.

Supplier Certifications

For Calahan and other attendees, the Lunch and Learn served as a reminder for obtaining supplier certifications. Small business owners who want to sell services to larger organizations should become certified where possible in order to be considered for new opportunities. Certifications could include the Iowa Targeted Small Business Program, which is aimed at Iowa businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities. There are also many federal small business certifications available courtesy of the Small Business Administration. You can view those at iasourcelink.com.

The Supplier Development Lunch and Learn is an opportunity to meet with contacts who aren’t in your normal bubble. Thanks to the event, Calahan met with people and learned about opportunities across industries and became more aware of what the DSM market offers.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership celebrates the Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur community and helps small businesses succeed with one-of-a-kind resources and opportunities for networking. Find out how other entrepreneurs have found success by reading their stories and attending local small business events in the region.