Small Business Resources

1 Million Cups

Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. Inviting all community members to be part of the conversation, 1 Million Cups fosters entrepreneurship and helps support an economy that works for everyone.

Visit Website

City of Des Moines - Office of Economic Development

The Office of Economic Development is committed to helping you do business in Des Moines. Our office can provide you help with: Project management; Site selection; Redevelopment assistance or Financial assistance. Whether you need help with site selection, securing funding or managing your project, we’re here for you. For information or assistance, contact the Office of Economic Development at (515) 283-4004 or oed@dmgov.org.

Visit Website

Evelyn K. Davis Center

From its location in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, the state’s capital city, the Evelyn K. Davis Center is helping many Central Iowans build their educational and job dreams. This first-of-its-kind center is a beacon for those looking for educational, job training and career opportunities by delivering these workforce services. We’re preparing many Central Iowans to find their life’s calling as successful, working Iowans.

Visit Website

Friends of SW 9th

Friends of SW 9th is a community coalition of 24 organizations dedicated to enhancing the SW 9th Street Corridor through implementing the corridor plan, community events, and enhanced communication. The group was formed to lead revitalization efforts along the SW 9th Street Corridor. It is anticipated in 2016, Friends of SW 9th will become a 501 (c) 3 organization with a functioning board of directors, regular meetings and opportunities to enhance the community.

Visit Website

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, we help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing access to education, capital, and support services.

Visit Website

Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and over 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes Des Moines as the best place to build a business, a career and a future.

Visit Website

Invest DSM

Invest DSM provides holistic and innovative solutions that strengthen neighborhoods. They do this through strategic investments in real estate and partnerships to improve quality of life.

Visit Website

Iowa Center for Economic Success

The Iowa Center is committed to empowering people to strenVisit Websitegthen and stabilize their financial futures through business ownership and investment.

Visit Website

Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)

IEDA works to strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and businesses.

Visit Website

John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center - Venture School

Master the startup process with our premier statewide Venture School, an innovative training program focused on real-world experimentation, customer discovery, and Lean LaunchPad methodologies. This program uses the official National Science Foundation I-Corps curriculum to help high-potential startups turn their ideas into reality.

Visit Website

Neighborhood Development Corporation (NDC)

NDC helps neighborhoods with meaningful development and businesses with planning and/or startup ventures in the Des Moines area. Funded in part by the City of Des Moines, NDC has leveraged $3 million into $40 million worth of development in just the past few years.

Visit Website

Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC)

NFC provides unique lending programs and other services to facilitate neighborhood revitalization in Polk County and Cedar Rapids, Iowa through partnerships with residents, governments, community-based organizations, lending institutions and the business community. For more information on our programs and services, please visit our Loan Programs page.

Visit Website

The Iowa Small Business Development Center

Provides no-cost business advice and resources when growing or starting a business in Iowa.

Visit Website

U.S. Small Business Administration – Des Moines Office

Our office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

Visit Website

Local Contacts:

-Lori Day: Lori.Day@sba.gov

-Jayne Armstrong: Jayne.Armstrong@sba.gov

-Jo Eckert: Jo.Eckert@sba.gov

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a $96 million investment in growing Iowa’s small businesses, including startups, manufacturers and businesses owned by veterans and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The funding is available through the U.S. Treasury Department’s SSBCI, a small business aid program that was expanded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The Treasury Department approved Iowa’s amount based on a plan submitted by IEDA. Iowa’s SSBCI dollars will focus on encouraging venture capital and investment in scalable innovation companies through the programs below.

Visit Website

Solidarity Microfinance

We are a non-profit program providing small business loans, business training, and support, and savings services to low-income aspiring business owners in Greater Des Moines, Iowa.

Visit Website

State of Iowa - Secretary of State

Resources for the entrepreneur and small business owners, from funding to business planning information, navigating regulations, site location assistance and more.

Visit Website

Targeted Small Business Loans

The Targeted Small Business (TSB) loans are available to businesses that are eligible for TSB certification – are 51% or more owned and actively managed by a female, an individual with minority status, a service-disabled veteran or an individual with disability. Loan eligibility is not dependent on TSB certification, however, it is strongly encouraged that once the entity is in business that they become a certified TSB.

Visit Website

Thank You!
We'll be in touch shortly