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
Thursday, April 3 5:30-7:30 pm

 

Introductions and Ice Breakers

 

 

WORK FROM HOME
No class the week of April 7th

Complete DreamBuilder Modules 1-4 as homework.

Drop-in virtual office hours TBD. 

 

MARKETING YOUR DREAM
Thursday, April 17 5:30-7:30 pm

 

Market Research and Marketing Strategy

 

 

WORK FROM HOME
No class the week of April 21st

Complete DreamBuilder Modules 5-8 as homework.

Drop-in virtual office hours TBD. 

 

FINANCING YOUR DREAM
Thursday, May 1 5:30-7:30

 

 

Pricing, Profiting, and Funding

 

WORK FROM HOME
No class the week of May 5th

Complete DreamBuilder Modules 9-13 as homework.

Drop-in virtual office hours TBD. 

 

PLANNING YOUR DREAM
Thursday, May 15th 5:30-7:30pm

 

 

Finalizing Business Plans

 

Graduation
Thursday, May 22nd, details TBD

 

 

Receive completion certificate and pitch your business plan

 

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