Presenter: Andi Fagen, Owner of Creative DSM Date: January 5, 2021 Time: Noon – 1:00pm Location: Online If you're ready to offer your clients digital benefits, and make some sales online, this is the information you’ve been looking for. Join Andi Fagen, owner of Creative DSM | Digital & Social Marketing as she guides us through search engine optimization (SEO) for online stores, how to create a positive customer experience, and stories of wins and fails through multiple marketplaces. She’ll touch on modern marketing strategies for local businesses in Iowa, including shoulder industry strategies and email follow up. About our speaker Andi has been assisting in brand launches and business growth since her time at Iowa State in 2009. The journey brought her to Los Angeles, Miami and eventually back home to the Midwest-Best, Des Moines. She opened Creative DSM to continue helping small businesses launch and scale their businesses in the Des Moines community. Using creative digital marketing strategies, Creative DSM manages small business web design, search engine optimization, email marketing, pay-per-click campaign management, and social media optimization. Andi currently has successful shops running on platforms such as shopify, squarespace, wordpress, etsy, and amazon seller central. Which is why she is happy to guide us through her process of earning online sales.

Presenter: Ciara Ladroma, Project Manager, The Iowa Center' WBC & Ben Schultz, Client Services Coordinator Date: January 5, 2021 Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Online 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. About our speakers As our new WBC project manager, Ciara will be organizing and implementing programs to train and counsel Iowans, specifically women, interested in starting or growing a business. Ben spends his time at The Iowa Center meeting with new clients to help connect them with best resources and events for education and advancement. He works to make sure people are aware of the countless opportunities available at The Iowa Center and in the community.

Presenter: Kevin Chen & Souriyno Chen | Lucky Lotus Date: January 8, 2021 Time: 12-1pm Location: Online Come and listen to the stories of entrepreneurs, small business owners and community members making their mark in Iowa. As you create your own story, treat yourself to this time each month to rekindle your entrepreneurial spirit and connect with others. In January listen to the amazing story of Kevin Chen and Souriyno Chen from Lucky Lotus. About our speakers KEVIN CHEN 27 (He/Him) From the vibrant colors to the the exuberant decor, Kevin’s love of art and design flows through the walls of Lucky Lotus. He’s played a vital role in bringing our vision to life. A social butterfly to the core, he enjoys a good party and festive gathering. As a member of The Avenues board, he loves being involved in the community and doing his part to keep our neck of the woods thriving. “Opening Lucky Lotus with my family has been one of the most difficult things, but truly the most rewarding” SOURIYNO CHEN 31 (He/Him) Souriyno’s love of food stems directly from his heritage and how his culture sees food as a web that connects all of us together. Sharing food is the centerpiece of gatherings. His passion for food and exploring culinary arts derived from his collegiate years spent farming on small scale organic farms along with working at food cooperatives where he engaged with community and worked with the freshest local produce around. Souriyno’s love and excitement grew from seeing the abundance and variety of fruits and vegetables that we could produce and the cooking commenced!

Date: January 11, 2021 Time: Mondays & Wednesdays, Noon-1pm Location: Online You don’t need to be a financial expert to own a healthy and whole small business, but you do need to understand your financials to feel clear and confident in making sound business decisions. Join The Iowa Center and local financial experts to increase your awareness of best practices for financial management. In this 8 class series, expect to gain practical knowledge on the following areas of your small business: Budgets Financial statements Business financing Cash flow Recordkeeping Banking Credit Reports Tax Planning This is the right course for you if managing your small business financials is completely out of your comfort zone, you're starting a new business and want to start off on the right track, or you need a refresher on basic financial management practices. All classes will be held online from Noon-1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays starting January 11, 2021. 

Presenter: TJ Daniels, Sr Loan Officer + Credit Coach & Alex Polzin, Director of Finance & Administration Date: January 11, 2021 Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm Location: Online 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: Financials 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. About our speakers TJ Daniels is the official cheerleader of The Iowa Center. She’s a vibrant supporter of our mission, programs, clients and staff. As a Certified Credit Counselor, she assists clients with their credit, budget, financial statements and so much more. She also works with our lending programs assisting clients from start to finish, and often times well after the loan has closed making many friendships along the way. Alex is responsible for Iowa Center accounting and governmental reporting, he also helps with lending and education programs provided by the Iowa Center.

Presenter: Lisa Maas, Government Guaranteed Lending Specialist Date: January 12, 2021 Time: 12-1pm Location: Online For small business owners, 2020 highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate financial documents and establishing a relationship with their banker. For too many Iowans, these stumbling blocks prevented them from receiving much-needed funds to keep their businesses healthy. Join us to learn about loan applications, sources for business funding, credit scores, and understanding the details that will make your business banking profile work for you. About our speakers Meet Lisa Maas My career has had many turns along its almost 17 year progression. I started my career in banking in 2004 as a teller. I worked my way up through Retail banking from a teller to a personal banker then later to a branch manager. I left the traditional banking world in 2013 when I started working as a business development officer for a Certified Development Corporation specializing in the SBA’s 504 loan program. In July 2017, I began in my current position working for Bankers Trust as their Government Guaranteed Lending Specialist. I’m the bank’s residence expert for the SBA’s 7(a) loan program along with other lending responsibilities with our small business lending customers.

Presenter: Amy Hutchins, Founder of MarketLogic Date: January 14, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online We often don't think of time as our most important business resource. But as a small business owner, we should all be preaching this mantra. Time IS our most important business resource. And what is the most effective way to manage your time? A calendar. We all know it. But do we actually plan for and abide by it? Join us to learn more about how to plan for and leverage your calendar to turn time into profit. We'll be hearing from Amy Hutchins, owner of MarketLogic (a sales and marketing consultancy), and an over-the-top planning and calendar junkie. In this session, Amy will cover: Why calendar (what do I actually get out of it?) How to plan for your calendar (yes, you have to plan) What should go in your calendar (that would be everything) Ways to manage and prioritize your calendar (prioritizing = sanity) How to avoid anxiety and procrastination when dealing with your calendar (well, for the most part) Tools to explore for your calendaring efforts (from a piece of paper to apps and more) We invite you to come learn, explore, and engage in an interactive dialogue on this everyday common activity that can sometimes keep us awake at night ... but also allow us to sleep a little bit better. About our speaker After a successful career in the agency space working with Fortune 500 companies, I’m now excited to bring that experience to others and to do so in a manner that provides a more focused environment where we can hone in on the planning efforts your brand deserves. Spending my early years growing up just south of Philadelphia, I learned how to talk loud and break through...

Date: January 19 – March 9, 2021 Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am Location: Online FocusME provides a space for working women to support each other with connections and accountability as each sets her own professional and personal goals. New groups form every quarter and meet once per week for 8 weeks. Each is led by a facilitator whose role is to organize the group around weekly themes and to push each participant to achieve what she sets forth. As a participant, you will: Lean on each other, give advice, share connections and experiences. Do business with each other if/when appropriate, all while connecting with other women and resources. Be a source of support, referrals, and networking: the focus is on personal development that will impact your growth. Spend time and emphasis on topics such as goal setting, pitching your ideas, prioritization and time management. Cost to participate is $99 (inquire about scholarships!) and includes eight weeks of small group meetings.  Interested? Please download the application here, fill it out and then email to Ciara Ladroma at cladroma@theiowacenter.org. Once your application has been reviewed, you'll be contacted to schedule a short interview to determine your readiness for FocusMe. About our speaker Drawing on more than 25 years in healthcare, leadership development, and facilitation, Michelle Rembert inspires and supports individuals to create personal and professional lives they love. She blends her background in healthcare with powerful coaching strategies to address mind body & beyond! Her unique background and training approach, helps others to gain deep clarity on where they are now, where they want to be, and how they will get there. Michelle is the founder of Momentom3 Mind Body & Beyond, LLC, through which she offers individual coaching, small group coaching, and speaking/workshop facilitation. Michelle is an Associate Certified Coach...

Presenter: Ann M. Hartz, CPA Date: January 19, 2021 Time: 12-1pm Location: Online Everyone’s ready for a new year and a clean slate. But there’s one more hurdle to clear before we put 2020 behind us: taxes. Have you been tracking everything effectively for the new year? Will COVID affect the way you complete your taxes this year? Join us to learn more about what to expect this tax season and make sure you are ready to file stress-free. About our speaker Ann M. Hartz is a CPA with a passion for helping other business owners focus on parts of their business that matter to them most by taking away their concerns about day-to-day financial and bookkeeping issues. Ann’s business is an affordable way for small businesses to get their questions answered and their accounting and tax needs met. She wanted to run her own tax practice since before going to college to become a CPA. She says, “It is always what I wanted to do from the time I did my first tax return for myself.” Ann is a life-long resident of Iowa – born and raised in Albia and currently resides in Des Moines. She has 27 years of account and tax experience. She graduated from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa and worked early in her accounting career in the Southern Iowa area.

Presenter: Erin Huiatt, Des Moines Parent Date: January 26, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online A community is needed in all aspects of our lives including our journeys as entrepreneurs. In today’s world, virtual interactions have become the norm. Erin Huiatt will share actionable steps on how we can virtually join, build, and grow communities. Erin will be discussing why it is important to create or join a community that works for you, how to invest in a community of support, why having a community of support now is more important than ever, and how to change your mindset when you are burned out. About our speaker Erin Huiatt is a mother, wife, business owner, and community builder. She is a stepping-stone for thousands of families throughout the Midwest through her business Des Moines Parent. Erin is passionate about uplifting and supporting women in Des Moines and is currently the President of FemCity Des Moines. She loves to share her experiences and thoughts along the way to help others get through any given day. You can learn more about Erin and Des Moines Parent at https://desmoinesparent.com/ as well as FemCity Des Moines at https://femcity.com/des-moines.   

Presenter: TJ Daniels, Sr Loan Officer + Credit Coach & Alex Polzin, Director of Finance & Administration Date: January 27, 2021 Time: 10:00am - 11:00am Location: Online 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: Financials 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. About our speakers TJ Daniels is the official cheerleader of The Iowa Center. She’s a vibrant supporter of our mission, programs, clients and staff. As a Certified Credit Counselor, she assists clients with their credit, budget, financial statements and so much more. She also works with our lending programs assisting clients from start to finish, and often times well after the loan has closed making many friendships along the way. Alex is responsible for Iowa Center accounting and governmental reporting, he also helps with lending and education programs provided by the Iowa Center.

Presenter: Ciara Ladroma, Project Manager, The Iowa Center' WBC & Ben Schultz, Client Services Coordinator Date: January 27, 2021 Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm Location: Online 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. About our speakers As our new WBC project manager, Ciara will be organizing and implementing programs to train and counsel Iowans, specifically women, interested in starting or growing a business. Ben spends his time at The Iowa Center meeting with new clients to help connect them with best resources and events for education and advancement. He works to make sure people are aware of the countless opportunities available at The Iowa Center and in the community.

Start Date: 2021 Time: 9 am - Noon Location: Online Writing a business plan can be intimidating. You're juggling market research with competitor analysis, financial projections with marketing strategies. With so much to consider and organize, it's easy to lose your drive. DreamBuilder Virtual makes it simpler. Here's what you'll do during this 8-week online course: Work to develop your business plan Access online material as well as group + one-on-one virtual support Build your professional network Connect with others working toward the goal of business ownership Learn from guest mentors (including CPAs, attorneys, marketing experts and other small business owners) Class meets weekly online from 9 am to noon for 8 weeks.  Cost: $250 (inquire about scholarships!) What we cover: Creating a business plan Delivering the story of your business Targeted Small Business Access to capital Small business banking Taxes Legal considerations Insurance Leasing contacts Understanding profit margin Setting your price point Target audience Marketing Outreach strategy Social media and deciding what works for you Interested in the next session of DreamBuilder? Please download the application here, fill it out and then email to Ciara Ladroma at cladroma@theiowacenter.org. Once your application has been reviewed, you'll be contacted to schedule a short interview to determine your readiness for next session of DreamBuilder.

Presenter: Deb Bishop, Drake Professor  Date: February 2, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online Putting a price on your passion can feel difficult, but profitability is the path to long-term business sustainability and growth. Whether you are just getting started, considering a new location, or taking the next big step towards growth—join us to learn more about the principles of break-even analysis. About our speaker Dr. Debra Bishop received a doctorate in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering with a concentration in operations research from Iowa State University in 1996. She has been at Drake University since 1996 and until February held the position of Director of the Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership as well as the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach. She is a Professor of Practice in Management and International Business teaching primarily operations management. Dr. Bishop has taught courses in entrepreneurship, operations improvement, break-even analysis and procurement to business professionals. She has been the recipient of the Brooks Faculty Excellence Award as well as the David B. Lawrence Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. Additionally, Dr. Bishop is a visiting professor at Makerere University Business School in Kampala, Uganda taking students to Uganda for a short-term course studying sustainable development issues each May.  

Presenter: Ciara Ladroma, Project Manager, The Iowa Center' WBC & Ben Schultz, Client Services Coordinator Date: February 2, 2021 Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Online 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. About our speakers As our new WBC project manager, Ciara will be organizing and implementing programs to train and counsel Iowans, specifically women, interested in starting or growing a business. Ben spends his time at The Iowa Center meeting with new clients to help connect them with best resources and events for education and advancement. He works to make sure people are aware of the countless opportunities available at The Iowa Center and in the community.

Presenter: Pernell Cezar, founder of BLK & Bold Date: February 5, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online Come and listen to the stories of entrepreneurs, small business owners and community members making their mark in Iowa. As you create your own story, treat yourself to this time each month to rekindle your entrepreneurial spirit and connect with others. In February listen to the amazing story of Pernell Cezar, founder of BLK & Bold. About our speaker Pernell Cezar is the CEO and Co-Founder of BLK & Bold, the first-ever black-owned nationally distributed coffee that makes social impact a priority. Pernell is an accomplished sales executive, successful entrepreneur and leader with more than 10 years of leadership success, significantly in retail. His diverse portfolio which spans from merchandising and negotiations at Target Corp, sales and business development at SheaMoisture, and more, highlights his ability to influence and build brands at scale whether start-ups or multi-national brands. As a longstanding sales executive and advisor to other emerging packaged goods brands, Pernell continues to change the way black-owned brands and consumer dollars are respected and supported by retailers. The entrepreneur now has his sights set on his own company, BLK & Bold. BLK & Bold is founded in his core values: social impact, quality product and community. Pernell takes much of his inspiration from his own upbringing where philanthropy and community programming helped his widowed mother take care of Pernell and his sister. Pernell earned his Bachelors in 2010 at University of Northern Iowa, with majors in Finance and Marketing. BLK & Bold recently achieved 2019 Des Moines NAACP Small Business of the Year.