DreamBuilder
Turn Your Dreams into Plans
Writing a business plan can be intimidating. Small business owners are juggling market research with competitor analysis and financial projections with marketing strategies. With so much to consider and organize, it’s easy to lose your drive. The Iowa Center’s eight-week DreamBuilder course is designed to empower small business owners to achieve success by providing: group and one-on-one business coaching; step-by-step instructions and assistance to build each section of a business plan; peer support and networking opportunities with other business owners; and instruction on business fundamentals.
DreamBuilder is a series of 13 business courses. The goal of the program is to help entrepreneurs achieve success. 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. Participants will receive:
- Step-by-step instructions and assistance to build each section of their business plan
- Peer support and networking opportunities with other small business owners
- Business fundamentals instruction from The Iowa Center’s business coaches
- Graduation event and pitch opportunity to community members
- A comprehensive industry report with trends and forecasts for market analysis purposes which is valued at $1,400 (based on the closest NAICS industry classifications to the participant’s business)
Spring 2025 Cohort
Our next offering of DreamBuilder will start on April 3rd, 2025!
Day/Time: Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm (see below for class topics and dates)
Cost: $250 per participant (+ ticket fees)
Refund Policy: Ticketing fees are not refundable. No refunds will be given after March 31, 2025.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
- All participants must have their own laptop and an active email address
- Participants should expect to spend an average of two hours per week outside of class time on homework assignments
Location: The Iowa Center Des Moines Headquarters
2210 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
Class Schedule
STARTING YOUR DREAM
Introductions and Ice Breakers
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WORK FROM HOME Complete DreamBuilder Modules 1-4 as homework. Drop-in virtual office hours TBD.
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MARKETING YOUR DREAM
Market Research and Marketing Strategy
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WORK FROM HOME Complete DreamBuilder Modules 5-8 as homework. Drop-in virtual office hours TBD.
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FINANCING YOUR DREAM
Pricing, Profiting, and Funding
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WORK FROM HOME Complete DreamBuilder Modules 9-13 as homework. Drop-in virtual office hours TBD.
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PLANNING YOUR DREAM
Finalizing Business Plans
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Graduation
Receive completion certificate and pitch your business plan
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