
Business & Startup Scene in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Des Moines Area Regional Chamber
Business network and advocacy group offering resources, events, and connections for businesses in Des Moines.
- Community Connections: Fosters relationships between local businesses, boosting collaboration opportunities.
- Business Advocacy: Works to create a business-friendly environment through advocating on behalf of its members.
- Business Education: Provides educational opportunities for businesses, helping them grow and succeed in the region.
2. Iowa Small Business Development Center
Assists small businesses by providing resources, training, and consulting services to help entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
- Customized Consulting: Offers one-on-one business consulting tailored to each unique situation.
- Educational Workshops: Provides workshops on various topics, from marketing strategies to financial management.
- Access to Resources: Connects entrepreneurs with vital resources such as loans, grants, and business plan templates.
3. Cowork Des Moines
Shared workspace offering flexible, affordable office solutions for freelancers, remote workers, and startups.
- Flexible Space: Allows businesses to scale up or down as needed without long-term commitments.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides chances to connect with other professionals and potential clients in a shared environment.
- Amenities Included: Offers amenities like high-speed internet, printing services, and meeting rooms for all members.
4. Greater Des Moines Partnership
Regional economic and community development organization helping to grow businesses in the Greater Des Moines area.
- Economic Development: Works on initiatives that promote job growth, infrastructure improvements, and business expansions.
- Community Engagement: Engages with the community to address challenges, attract businesses, and create a thriving economy.
- Regional Advocacy: Advocates for policies that support business growth and foster a positive economic environment.
5. Innovation Corridor Alliance (ICA)
Non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship in Des Moines' Innovation Corridor.
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Supports the growth of startups by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Community Engagement: Engages with various stakeholders to create a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Innovation-focused Events: Hosts events, workshops, and programs that help cultivate new ideas and foster collaboration among innovators.
6. Techstars Farmers Market Accelerator
Accelerator program focused on helping early-stage food tech startups scale their businesses.
- Food Tech Focus: Offers resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities specific to the food technology industry.
- Equity-Free Program: Does not require equity in exchange for participation, allowing startups to retain full control of their businesses.
- Strategic Partnerships: Establishes partnerships with established food industry players for mentorship and growth opportunities.
7. Practical Arts Co-Work & Makerspace
Shared workspace and makerspace offering resources for entrepreneurs, artists, and creators in Des Moines.
- Creative Collaboration: Fosters collaboration among creative individuals, providing a unique environment for innovation.
- Access to Tools & Equipment: Offers access to tools and equipment needed for various projects, reducing costs for members.
- Flexible Space Options: Allows users to choose between private offices, co-working spaces, or open studio space based on their needs.
8. Iowa State University Research Park
Business incubator and research park hosting startups focused on technology, agriculture, and life sciences.
- Industry-specific Resources: Provides resources tailored to specific industries, helping startups navigate their respective fields.
- Collaborative Environment: Encourages collaboration among startups and fosters the development of innovative ideas.
- Access to Research & Development: Offers access to cutting-edge research, resources, and facilities for startups in various fields.
9. Iowa Venture School
Program that provides entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Entrepreneurship Education: Offers educational workshops, training programs, and mentorship opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects entrepreneurs with potential investors, customers, and mentors.
- Business Plan Development: Assists entrepreneurs in creating solid business plans to help them secure funding and launch their ventures.
10. Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA)
Trade association for grocery retailers in Iowa, offering resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members.
- Industry-specific Resources: Provides resources tailored to the grocery industry, helping businesses navigate this specific field.
- Legislative Advocacy: Works to create a favorable legislative environment for grocery retailers in Iowa.
- Networking Opportunities: Offers chances to connect with other professionals and potential clients within the grocery industry.
11. Des Moines Area Diversity Council
Organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in businesses and communities of Des Moines.
- Diverse Talent Recruitment: Assists businesses in recruiting a diverse workforce to reflect the community's makeup.
- Inclusive Workplace Training: Offers training programs and resources for creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects diverse professionals with one another and fosters collaboration across industries.
12. Iowa Sustainable Energy Alliance (ISEA)
Non-profit organization promoting sustainable energy initiatives in Iowa, offering resources and networking opportunities.
- Energy Efficiency Resources: Offers resources to help businesses become more energy efficient and reduce their environmental impact.
- Policy Advocacy: Works to create favorable policies for sustainable energy initiatives in Iowa.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects professionals working on sustainable energy projects and provides opportunities for collaboration.
13. Des Moines Social Club
Arts and cultural center offering classes, events, and exhibitions in Des Moines.
- Artistic Collaboration: Fosters collaboration among artists and creatives, providing a unique environment for innovation.
- Community Engagement: Engages with various stakeholders to create a supportive environment for arts and culture in Des Moines.
- Access to Resources: Offers resources, tools, and facilities needed for artistic projects and creative endeavors.
14. Iowa Biotechnology Association (IBA)
Trade association dedicated to promoting the growth of Iowa's biotech industry through resources, networking, and advocacy.
- Industry-specific Resources: Provides resources tailored to the biotechnology industry, helping businesses navigate this specific field.
- Legislative Advocacy: Works to create a favorable legislative environment for the growth of Iowa's biotech industry.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects professionals working in biotechnology with one another and provides opportunities for collaboration.
15. Des Moines Area Restaurant Association (DMARA)
Trade association supporting the restaurant industry in Des Moines by offering resources, networking opportunities, and events.
- Industry-specific Resources: Provides resources tailored to the restaurant industry, helping businesses navigate this specific field.
- Legislative Advocacy: Works to create a favorable legislative environment for Des Moines' restaurants.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects restaurant professionals with one another and provides opportunities for collaboration and growth.