Iowa Center for Economic Success

DreamBuilder Spring 2026
2026-02-25 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-11 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-25 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, 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: Online
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!

Financial Health Chase Money Skills - How to Set Goals, Build a Budget, & Save (In-Person)
2026-02-27 10:00 - 11:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: JPMorgan Chase Staff
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Polk County River Place
2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
Register: Here
In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to improve your credit and better manage any debt you may have, including building a positive credit history, reducing your credit utilization and dealing with delinquent debts.
There will be a hybrid option available via zoom: https://jpmchase.zoom.us
Webinar ID: 93678101647
Webinar Password: [REDACTED]

Click here to register!

Financial Health Chase Money Skills - How to Improve Credit & Manage Debt (In-Person)
2026-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: JPMorgan Chase Staff
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Location: Polk County River Place
2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
Register: Here
In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to improve your credit and better manage any debt you may have, including building a positive credit history, reducing your credit utilization and dealing with delinquent debts.
There will be a hybrid option available via zoom: https://jpmchase.zoom.us
Webinar ID: 93678101647
Webinar Password: [REDACTED]

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Getting Ready
2026-03-03 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Online
Register: Here
Getting started in your small business journey can be daunting…let us help you make the process and little easier as we outline some basic steps to Getting Ready!

What are the first steps needed to business ownership?
What’s a business plan and why do you need one?
What are the various types of legal business entities?
How do you register your business?

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Lending (In-Person)
2026-03-04 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Register: Here
As a small business owner, you won’t ever really know the unexpected challenges or opportunities that await you in life and business. Always Ready: Lending is a working session for you to learn how to financially prepare your small business for the next step in your journey.
The Iowa Center staff will show you what you need to do to always be ready to make financial moves in your business, including applying for a loan or buying/selling new goods. This class is especially for you if you’ve ever been denied a loan or need a helping hand to get your financials on track.

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Business Plan
2026-03-10 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm
Location: Online
Register: Here
Turn your dream into a plan with this small group, one-hour business planning class. The Iowa Center staff will help you kickstart your business plan by providing you a road map on completing your plan and taking the next steps towards business ownership. Also connect with other aspiring small business owners to refine your business ideas as you put them into real plans.

Click here to register!

Financial Health Chase Money Skills - Power of Capital (In-Person)
2026-03-11 15:30 - 16:30 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: JPMorgan Chase Staff
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Register: Here
We’re here to help you prepare your business for new opportunities. Understanding your options will help you make more informed decisions as you manage your business today and plan ahead for the future.

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Financials
2026-03-17 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Online
Register: Here
Running a small business requires more than having a passion and a vision. To be successful you need to have your financials in order. Unless you are familiar with bookkeeping basics, you might not know how crucial having the right financial documents are to your success.
Join The Iowa Center staff as we go over the most useful and important financial documents for your small business.
We will discuss and define:

Income Statement/Profit and Loss Statement
Cash Flow Statement
Balance Sheet
Accounts Receivable
Budget

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Marketing (In-Person)
2026-03-19 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
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!

Chase Money Skills - How to Set Goals, Build a Budget & Save (Hybrid)
2026-03-27 10:00 - 11:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: Marcia Treichel with JPMorgan Chase
Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Polk County River Place (2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310)
Register: Here
In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to set goals based on your values, build a budget that works for you and save for the future.

Click here to register!

Chase Money Skills - How Improve Credit & Manage Debt (Hybrid)
2026-03-27 12:00 - 13:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: Marcia Treichel with JPMorgan Chase
Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Polk County River Place (2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310)
Register: Here
In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to improve your credit and better manage any debt you may have, including building a positive credit history, reducing your credit utilization and dealing with delinquent debts.

Click here to register!

DreamBuilder Spring 2026 Graduation
2026-04-01 17:30 - 19:30 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Day/Time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM (for full details and class schedule, click here!)
Location: Online
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.

Chase - Cómo Establecer Metas, Elaborar un Presupuesto y Ahorrar
2026-04-04 09:00 - 10:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presentador: Personal de JPMorgan Chase
Fecha: Sábado, 4 de abril, 2026
Hora: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Ubicación: 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Regístrese: Aquí
Te invitamos a un taller sin costo: Cómo establecer metas, elaborar un presupuesto y ahorrar. En este taller interactivo, aprenderán a establecer metas basadas en sus valores, elaborar un presupuesto que funcione para ustedes y ahorrar para el futuro. Esta clase es en español.

Presenter: JPMorgan Chase Staff
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Register: Here
You’re invited to a workshop at no cost: How to Set Goals, Make a Budget, and Save. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to set goals based on your values, create a budget that works for you, and save for the future. This class is in Spanish.

Chase - Conozca su Flujo de Efectivo
2026-04-04 10:00 - 11:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presentador: Personal de JPMorgan Chase
Fecha: Sábado, 4 de abril, 2026
Hora: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Ubicación: The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Regístrese: Aquí
Te invitamos a un taller sin costo: Conozca su Flujo de Efectivo. Incrementa el ingreso de efectivo y disminuye el egreso para ayudar a maximizar el éxito del negocio. Esta clase es en español.
***Translation: You’re invited to a workshop on April 4, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at no cost: Know Your Cash Flow. Increase cash inflow and decrease outflow to help maximize business success. This class is in Spanish.

Chase - El Poder del Capital
2026-04-04 11:00 - 12:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presentador: Personal de JPMorgan Chase
Fecha: Sábado, 4 de abril, 2026
Hora: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ubicación: The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
Regístrese: Aquí
Te invitamos a un taller sin costo: El Poder del Capital. Aprende cómo impulsar el crecimiento de tu negocio. Esta clase es en español.
***Translation: You’re invited to a workshop by JPMorgan Chase at no cost on April 4, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to noon: The Power of Capital. Learn how to drive your business growth. This class is in Spanish.

Always Ready: Getting Ready (In-Person)
2026-04-07 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Register: Here
Getting started in your small business journey can be daunting…let us help you make the process and little easier as we outline some basic steps to Getting Ready!

What are the first steps needed to business ownership?
What’s a business plan and why do you need one?
What are the various types of legal business entities?
How do you register your business?

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Lending
2026-04-08 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Online
Register: Here
Getting started in your small business journey can be daunting…let us help you make the process and little easier as we outline some basic steps to Getting Ready!

What are the first steps needed to business ownership?
What’s a business plan and why do you need one?
What are the various types of legal business entities?
How do you register your business?

Click here to register!

Made in Iowa: Rural Businesses
2026-04-14 08:00 - 09:30 | Invictus Media Office, 506 3rd Street Suite 300, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Invictus Media (506 3rd Street Suite 300, Des Moines, IA 50309)
Register: Here
Rural businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy. Our “Made in Iowa” series, sponsored by CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen,) 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 entrepreneurs outside the Des Moines metro, showcasing how rural businesses are creating jobs, serving neighbors, and shaping local culture.
Join us for a panel discussion, featuring:
– Dr. Ann M. Eike, Practice Owner and Veterinarian Wags & Whiskers Veterinary Clinic, PC– Walter Juarez, Founder and CEO of C.A. Food, Beverage, & Coffee– Moderated by Jennifer Thomas, Program Director of The Iowa Center Women’s Business Center
Through the generosity and support of our sponsor, CLA, registration to Made in Iowa is free.

Always Ready: Financials (In-Person)
2026-04-14 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Register: Here
Running a small business requires more than having a passion and a vision. To be successful you need to have your financials in order. Unless you are familiar with bookkeeping basics, you might not know how crucial having the right financial documents are to your success.
Join The Iowa Center staff as we go over the most useful and important financial documents for your small business.
We will discuss and define:

Income Statement/Profit and Loss Statement
Cash Flow Statement
Balance Sheet
Accounts Receivable
Budget

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Business Plan (In-Person)
2026-04-21 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm
Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Register: Here
Turn your dream into a plan with this small group, one-hour business planning class. The Iowa Center staff will help you kickstart your business plan by providing you a road map on completing your plan and taking the next steps towards business ownership. Also connect with other aspiring small business owners to refine your business ideas as you put them into real plans.

Click here to register!

Marketing for Startups with a Small Budget
2026-04-23 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: Kennedy Van Rossum, Bank Iowa + Iowa Center Staff
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Online
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!

Always Ready: Getting Ready
2026-05-05 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Online
Register: Here
Getting started in your small business journey can be daunting…let us help you make the process and little easier as we outline some basic steps to Getting Ready!

What are the first steps needed to business ownership?
What’s a business plan and why do you need one?
What are the various types of legal business entities?
How do you register your business?

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Lending
2026-05-06 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Online
Register: Here
Getting started in your small business journey can be daunting…let us help you make the process and little easier as we outline some basic steps to Getting Ready!

What are the first steps needed to business ownership?
What’s a business plan and why do you need one?
What are the various types of legal business entities?
How do you register your business?

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Financials
2026-05-12 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Online
Register: Here
Running a small business requires more than having a passion and a vision. To be successful you need to have your financials in order. Unless you are familiar with bookkeeping basics, you might not know how crucial having the right financial documents are to your success.
Join The Iowa Center staff as we go over the most useful and important financial documents for your small business.
We will discuss and define:

Income Statement/Profit and Loss Statement
Cash Flow Statement
Balance Sheet
Accounts Receivable
Budget

Click here to register!

Always Ready: Business Plan
2026-05-19 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm
Location: Online
Register: Here
Turn your dream into a plan with this small group, one-hour business planning class. The Iowa Center staff will help you kickstart your business plan by providing you a road map on completing your plan and taking the next steps towards business ownership. Also connect with other aspiring small business owners to refine your business ideas as you put them into real plans.

Click here to register!

Marketing for Startups with a Small Budget (In-Person)
2026-05-21 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: Kennedy Van Rossum, Bank Iowa + Iowa Center Staff
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
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!

Early-Stage Essentials with The Iowa Center & Hub 712 (In-Person)
2026-05-21 15:00 - 16:00 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm
Location: 603 N Adams Street, Carroll, IA 51401
Register: Here
Getting started in your small business journey can be daunting…let us help you make the process a little easier, as we outline early-stage essentials!

What are the first steps needed to business ownership?
What’s a business plan and why do you need one?
What are the various types of legal business entities?
How do you register your business?

Click here to register!

DreamBuilder Summer 2026
2026-05-27 17:30 - 19:30 | The Iowa Center, 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm from May 27th to July 22nd (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 May 20th.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

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

Location: Online
Register: Here
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. Let The Iowa Center help you navigate it all.
The DreamBuilder Summer 2026 cohort is an 8-week virtual course designed to empower entrepreneurs with group and one-on-one coaching, step-by-step instruction, and a supportive peer network. Whether you’re relaunching your business plan or starting from scratch, this course gives you the clarity and tools to move forward confidently.
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

Click here to register!
