Best Small Business Resources in the Des Moines Area

Description

Iowa Center for Economic Success provides educational and financial assistance to small business owners. Some highlights include free year-round tax preparation, business planning workshops, networking events, and one-on-one counseling in business planning and launching. Collaborating with SBA and Iowa Economic Development Authority, ICES also houses a Women’s Business Center and a microloan program. ICES also offers two paid 8-week courses that teach entrepreneurs the basics of planning and starting a business.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Gravitate offers large coworking spaces on a daily pass/membership basis. In addition, there are gatherings and networking events every month, some of which are free and open to the public. Gravitate also rents out its event and conference space. Membership comes with a 10% discount on events and rental rates.

Description

In collaboration with IEDA (Iowa Economic Development Authority), IASourceLink is an internet resource that offers a comprehensive calendar of business-related events in Iowa and free webinars on a variety of business topics. In addition, their Business Concierge program can answer any inquiry from entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region. They have also a list of business incubators, accelerators, and coworking space throughout of the state of Iowa.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.