DREAMBUILDER

Sponsored by

Writing a business plan can be intimidating. Where do you start with market research, competitor analysis, financial projections and marketing strategies? The Iowa Center’s eight-week DreamBuilder course sponsored by U.S. Bank is designed to empower small business owners to achieve success.

Participants will receive:

- - Step-by-step guidance to complete each section of your business plan
  - Live group classes and one-on-one business coaching
  - Business fundamentals training from experienced instructors
  - Peer support and networking opportunities
  - A $1400-value Industry Intelligence Report based on your NAICS code
  - Graduation pitch night to present your business to the community

DreamBuilder is a series of business courses that will meet Wednesday evenings from September 9 through October 28, 2026. The courses that are included in the program cover the basics of starting a business as well as relevant topic areas, such as marketing, finance, and accounting.

Register Here

Fall 2026 Cohort

Date: Wednesday evenings, September 9 – October 28
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $250 per participant (+ ticket fees)
Refund Policy: Ticketing fees are not refundable. No refunds will be given after September 2, 2026.
Location: In-Person (The Iowa Center | 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, 50312)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

- - A personal laptop
  - An active email and DreamBuilder login
  - Commitment to 2 hours/week of in-person and online coursework
  - Full attendance and participation

STARTING YOUR DREAM Wednesday, September 9 \| 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Orientation, Goal Setting, and Entrepreneur Mindset	WORK FROM HOME No in-person class the week of September 16 Complete DreamBuilder Modules 1-4 as homework.
MARKETING YOUR DREAM Wednesday, September 23 \| 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Business Plan Check-In Marketing, Customers, and Branding	WORK FROM HOME No class the week of September 30 Complete DreamBuilder Modules 5-8 as homework. Drop-in virtual office hours TBD.
FINANCING YOUR DREAM Wednesday, October 7 \| 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Business Plan Check-In Financial Foundations and Money Management	WORK FROM HOME No class the week of October 14 Complete DreamBuilder Modules 9-13 as homework. Drop-in virtual office hours TBD.
PLANNING YOUR DREAM Wednesday, October 21 \| 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Business Plan Check-In Legal Structures, Funding, Operations	BUSINESS PLAN REVIEW & PITCH Wednesday, October 28 \| 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Final Plan Check-In Pitch Refinement