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  • Getting Ready for Business Ownership: Muscatine (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Muscatine Community College, 152 Colorado Street, Rm 8 Strahan Hall, Muscatine, IA 52761 Register: Here From Idea to Plan:  Starting your small business journey can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this small-group session, The Iowa Center staff will walk you through the first steps of launching your business, from understanding legal business entities and registering your business to creating a business plan that turns your ideas into actionable goals. You’ll learn why a business plan is essential, how to start building one, and get a clear road map for completing it. Along the way, you’ll connect with other aspiring entrepreneurs, share ideas, and gain the confidence to take the next steps toward business ownership. Click here to register!

  • Elevate Your Business: Financial Management and Budgeting for Growth

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm Location: Virtual Register: Here Elevate is The Iowa Center’s more advanced 5-class series that helps our clients develop growth strategies for their established small businesses. The series is open to clients who received assistance to launch and grow their small businesses and are ready for the next step, as well as existing businesses seeking education and support to strengthen, stabilize and grow. Topics: Building and maintaining a budget Managing cash flow, becoming profitable, and forecasting Understanding income statements, balance sheets, cash flows, and financial ratios Action Items: Prepare budget models based on planned, strategic growth Click here to register!

  • Made in Iowa: New Year, New You

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Time: 8:00 - 9:30 am Location: CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) 801 Grand Avenue, Suite 3900 Des Moines, IA 50309 Register: Here The "Made In Iowa" series is a panel discussion exploring the role of small businesses in connecting communities and building culture. This session, we are partnering with these small businesses focused on wellnesss. Join us for a panel discussion, featuring:• Leah Embrey, Owner of Pride Fitness DSM• Kathleen Matthews, Owner of Perennial Pathways• Kayla Deighan, Owner of Roots Rehab• Moderated by Jennifer Thomas, Program Director of The Iowa Center's        Women's Business Center CLA is renting a space on the third level of 801 Grand for the main presentation, and afterward they’ll take everyone nearly to the top of the building to showcase their incredible office space. For security purpose they would like everyone to rsvp for this event. Click here to register!  

  • Access to Capital Day – Connecting Entrepreneurs to Capital

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Time: 4:00 - 6:30 pm Location: The Iowa Center Office 2210 Grand Ave Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here Access to Capital Day is a one-day event designed to connect Iowa entrepreneurs with lenders, funders, and technical assistance providers, help them understand funding pathways, and build relationships with banks and CDFIs.​ Agenda: 4:00 – 4:30 PM: Welcome + Quick Panel DiscussionTopic: “What Banks Really Want to See” with 3–5 bank/CDFI representatives.​ 4:30 – 6:30 PM: Speed-dating style lender meetingsAttendees circulate through 7–10 bank/CDFI tables for one-on-one Q&A and relationship-building.​ Click here to register!

  • Elevate Your Business: Raising Capital and Funding Business Expansion (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here Elevate is The Iowa Center’s more advanced 5-class series that helps our clients develop growth strategies for their established small businesses. The series is open to clients who received assistance to launch and grow their small businesses and are ready for the next step, as well as existing businesses seeking education and support to strengthen, stabilize and grow. Topics: Types of funding: debt, equity, and hybrid models Navigating loans, grants, angel investors, and venture capital Crafting an effective pitch deck Understanding valuation and term sheets Leveraging crowdfunding and community investment Action Items: Create a pitch deck Click here to register!

  • DreamBuilder Spring 2026 – Write Your Business Plan with Support & Strategy (In-Person)

    DreamBuilder Spring 2026 (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm from February 11th to April 1st (for full details and class schedule, click here!) Cost: $250 per participant (+ ticket fees) Refund Policy: Ticketing fees are not refundable. No refunds will be given after February 2nd. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A personal laptop An active email and DreamBuilder login Commitment to 2 hours/week of online coursework Full attendance and participation Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to make a big impact with a limited marketing budget? Look no further than "Marketing for Startups with a Small Budget - A Blueprint for Small Business Marketing." This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively market your startup or small business without breaking the bank. In today's competitive business landscape, creativity and resourcefulness can be your greatest assets, and this course will show you how to leverage them to achieve remarkable marketing results. Throughout this course, you will delve into innovative, cost-effective marketing techniques tailored specifically for startups and small businesses. From crafting a compelling brand story and harnessing the power of social media to mastering guerrilla marketing tactics and optimizing your online presence, you'll gain a comprehensive toolkit for maximizing your marketing efforts on a shoestring budget. Join us on a journey to discover how to reach your target audience, generate leads, and build a loyal customer base, all while managing your resources efficiently. By the end of this course, you'll have a solid blueprint for navigating the world of marketing as a small business, setting you on a path toward sustainable growth and success. Don't let a limited budget hold you back – learn how to market smarter, not harder, and watch your business thrive. Click here to register!

  • Elevate Your Business: Raising Capital and Funding Business Expansion

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm Location: Virtual Register: Here Elevate is The Iowa Center’s more advanced 5-class series that helps our clients develop growth strategies for their established small businesses. The series is open to clients who received assistance to launch and grow their small businesses and are ready for the next step, as well as existing businesses seeking education and support to strengthen, stabilize and grow. Topics: Types of funding: debt, equity, and hybrid models Navigating loans, grants, angel investors, and venture capital Crafting an effective pitch deck Understanding valuation and term sheets Leveraging crowdfunding and community investment Action Items: Create a pitch deck Click here to register!

  • DreamBuilder Spring 2026 – Write Your Business Plan with Support & Strategy (In-Person)

    DreamBuilder Spring 2026 (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm from February 11th to April 1st (for full details and class schedule, click here!) Cost: $250 per participant (+ ticket fees) Refund Policy: Ticketing fees are not refundable. No refunds will be given after February 2nd. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A personal laptop An active email and DreamBuilder login Commitment to 2 hours/week of online coursework Full attendance and participation Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to make a big impact with a limited marketing budget? Look no further than "Marketing for Startups with a Small Budget - A Blueprint for Small Business Marketing." This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively market your startup or small business without breaking the bank. In today's competitive business landscape, creativity and resourcefulness can be your greatest assets, and this course will show you how to leverage them to achieve remarkable marketing results. Throughout this course, you will delve into innovative, cost-effective marketing techniques tailored specifically for startups and small businesses. From crafting a compelling brand story and harnessing the power of social media to mastering guerrilla marketing tactics and optimizing your online presence, you'll gain a comprehensive toolkit for maximizing your marketing efforts on a shoestring budget. Join us on a journey to discover how to reach your target audience, generate leads, and build a loyal customer base, all while managing your resources efficiently. By the end of this course, you'll have a solid blueprint for navigating the world of marketing as a small business, setting you on a path toward sustainable growth and success. Don't let a limited budget hold you back – learn how to market smarter, not harder, and watch your business thrive. Click here to register!

  • DreamBuilder Spring 2026 – Write Your Business Plan with Support & Strategy (In-Person)

    DreamBuilder Spring 2026 (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm from February 11th to April 1st (for full details and class schedule, click here!) Cost: $250 per participant (+ ticket fees) Refund Policy: Ticketing fees are not refundable. No refunds will be given after February 2nd. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A personal laptop An active email and DreamBuilder login Commitment to 2 hours/week of online coursework Full attendance and participation Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to make a big impact with a limited marketing budget? Look no further than "Marketing for Startups with a Small Budget - A Blueprint for Small Business Marketing." This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively market your startup or small business without breaking the bank. In today's competitive business landscape, creativity and resourcefulness can be your greatest assets, and this course will show you how to leverage them to achieve remarkable marketing results. Throughout this course, you will delve into innovative, cost-effective marketing techniques tailored specifically for startups and small businesses. From crafting a compelling brand story and harnessing the power of social media to mastering guerrilla marketing tactics and optimizing your online presence, you'll gain a comprehensive toolkit for maximizing your marketing efforts on a shoestring budget. Join us on a journey to discover how to reach your target audience, generate leads, and build a loyal customer base, all while managing your resources efficiently. By the end of this course, you'll have a solid blueprint for navigating the world of marketing as a small business, setting you on a path toward sustainable growth and success. Don't let a limited budget hold you back – learn how to market smarter, not harder, and watch your business thrive. Click here to register!

  • DreamBuilder Spring 2026 – Write Your Business Plan with Support & Strategy (In-Person)

    DreamBuilder Spring 2026 (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm from February 11th to April 1st (for full details and class schedule, click here!) Cost: $250 per participant (+ ticket fees) Refund Policy: Ticketing fees are not refundable. No refunds will be given after February 2nd. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A personal laptop An active email and DreamBuilder login Commitment to 2 hours/week of online coursework Full attendance and participation Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to make a big impact with a limited marketing budget? Look no further than "Marketing for Startups with a Small Budget - A Blueprint for Small Business Marketing." This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively market your startup or small business without breaking the bank. In today's competitive business landscape, creativity and resourcefulness can be your greatest assets, and this course will show you how to leverage them to achieve remarkable marketing results. Throughout this course, you will delve into innovative, cost-effective marketing techniques tailored specifically for startups and small businesses. From crafting a compelling brand story and harnessing the power of social media to mastering guerrilla marketing tactics and optimizing your online presence, you'll gain a comprehensive toolkit for maximizing your marketing efforts on a shoestring budget. Join us on a journey to discover how to reach your target audience, generate leads, and build a loyal customer base, all while managing your resources efficiently. By the end of this course, you'll have a solid blueprint for navigating the world of marketing as a small business, setting you on a path toward sustainable growth and success. Don't let a limited budget hold you back – learn how to market smarter, not harder, and watch your business thrive. Click here to register!

  • DreamBuilder Spring 2026 Graduation (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Day/Time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM (for full details and class schedule, click here!) Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 In our final session, we’ll celebrate your hard work and growth throughout the course. This graduation class is your opportunity to put everything you’ve learned into action by presenting your business pitch and sharing your marketing strategy with your peers and instructors. You’ll have the chance to showcase your brand story, creative marketing ideas, and the strategies you’ve developed to reach your audience on a budget. This is a supportive and engaging space to gain feedback, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and be inspired by the innovative approaches others have crafted. We’ll close out the course by recognizing your accomplishments and setting the stage for your next steps as a confident, resourceful business owner ready to make an impact.