Date: May 3, 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. Expect to gain practical knowledge on the following areas of your small business: Financial Foundations & Budgeting – May 3 Financial Statements – May 5 Cash Flow – May 10 Small Business Banking Best Practices – May 12 Business Financing & Loan Applications – May 17 Credit Reports – May 19 Record-Keeping – May 24 Tax Planning – May 26 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 May 3, 2021. 

Presenter: Dr. Ryan Anderson, No Coast Consulting  Date: May 4, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online Many times Entrepreneurs start with a passion and a desire to make the world a better place. Dr. Ryan Anderson of No Coast Consulting, will share realistic expectations and timelines for all entrepreneurs to understand as they begin their businesses. Dr. Ryan Anderson will also speak on how entrepreneurs can best support themselves through the journey of starting and growth. At some point in the journey of starting and running a business - every entrepreneur will hit a point where they are exhausted. Tune in to learn how to support yourself through the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship. About our speaker Dr. Anderson founded No Coast Consulting with a vision of empowering individuals to align their passion and vocation, achieve their professional aspirations and attain fulfillment while maintaining a positive balance between work, life and community involvement. Dr. Anderson started his professional career with a focus on Project Management and Financial Analytics primarily for Financial Services and Insurance Companies gaining a repertoire of experience among large Fortune 500 companies such as Standard and Poors (McGraw-Hill), Principal Financial Group and Hewlett Packard.  

Presenter: TJ Daniels, Sr Loan Officer + Credit Coach & Alex Polzin, Director of Finance & Administration Date: May 5, 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: Keesha Ward, owner of Ward Creative Studios & Vegan Knees Date: May 7, 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 May listen to the amazing story of Keesha Ward, she is a Photographer, Business Coach, Plant-Based Coach, and owner of Ward Creative Studios and Vegan Knees About our speaker Keesha is a public speaker, photographer, business coach, and plant-based coach who values entrepreneurship. She earned her Child, Adult& Family Services degree and MBA from Iowa State University, and her Plant-based Nutrition certificate from Cornell University. She has more than a decade of experience in business administration/development, higher education, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; and has served on panels and has given presentations in these areas. As an advocate for health and wellness through plant-based coaching, her philosophy is to not see animal products or animal derivatives as something you have to give up. Instead, see the plant-based lifestyle as a way of giving your body exactly what it needs.She empowers by applying a holistic approach (mind, body, and soul) to every aspect of our lives.As a photographer, she’s the hype-woman that makes it a point to help her clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.As a small business coach, Keesha mentors and guides entrepreneurs and business owners (both aspiring and currently operating) as they look to establish successful growth opportunities.    

Presenter: Kristen Meyers, Founder & Owner of Party On, Des Moines! Date: May 11, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online How do you stay connected to your community when a global pandemic has brought the world to a halt? Local event coordinator and small business owner Kristen Meyers discusses the importance of expanding your network in your everyday life and how her network not only supported each other over the past year, but grew to be a fully formed organization. About our speaker Kristen Meyers is an Iowa native and a Des Moines captive for the last 8 years. She grew up in Clinton Ia and received her BA in political communications from the University of Northern Iowa in 2012. At UNI is where she found her passion for planning events, mainly political and community based events. Once she moved to Des Moines is 2012 she quickly became involved in Des Moines' largest events; Oktoberfest, Nitefall on the River, Baconfest, and 80/35 music festival. Over the years she has worked on several political campaigns and weddings but large scale street festivals are what she enjoys the most. In 2018 she kicked off her full time freelance event planning business, Party On, Des Moines! LLC; Party On will be celebrating 3 years on March 17th! In 2019 Kristen was hired to be Capital City Pride's festival coordinator, focusing on working with the city, permitting, volunteers, and vendors that are the heartbeat of any event. She LOVED working with the our LGBTQA community to create such a successful event. Even though the covid-19 pandemic put a wrench in all event planning that didn't slow her or CCP down in planning a 30 DAY festival for Pride in the month of June 2021. She's excited to see people through the month of...

Presenter: Ciara Ladroma, Project Manager, The Iowa Center' WBC & Ben Schultz, Client Services Coordinator Date: May 12, 2021 Time: Noon - 1:00pm 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: Carrie Leaf, owner of Carrie Leaf Life Coaching Date: May 12 – June 30, 2021 Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Location: Online Cost: $99 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 fill out this application here. Once your application has been reviewed, you'll be contacted to schedule a short interview to determine your readiness for FocusMe. About our speaker I have a passion for humans, health, and happiness; always have and always will. Through my practice I began to recognize common themes. Yes, we are all different, but we are also all human. Often, I would see people excelling in one area and struggling in another. After working with committed and loyal clients I was privileged to see radical transformations in people’s lives when I used a particular approach. This is the mind/body/spirit integration approach. It didn’t matter the socioeconomic status, the problem they were struggling with, or even how long it had been an issue. When...

Start Date: May 13 - July 1, 2021 Time: 9 am - Noon Location: Online Cost: $250 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? You can be a part of our next session, simply check back shortly to sign up for our waiting list.

Presenter: TJ Daniels, Sr Loan Officer + Credit Coach & Alex Polzin, Director of Finance & Administration Date: May 18, 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: Andi Fagen, founder of Creative DSM Date: May 18, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online Having trouble getting your local business noticed online? If you can't crack the code of the first page search results, this is the presentation for you. This webinar will go over specific steps you can take today towards a better search engine optimized presence. Come ready to take notes, and ask Andi questions. And if you're looking for a more customized plan, sign up by May 11th and fill out our questionnaire to receive a complimentary competitor research report. About our speaker Meet Andi Fagen, founder of Creative DSM Digital & Social Marketing. Her background includes graduating from Iowa State University, developing digital marketing plans for startups in Los Angeles, and a Creative Director position at a consumer technology company in Miami that resulted in a nine-figure acquisition in 2018. Andi’s goal is to leverage creative marketing strategies to educate the community about the impact of optimized search engine content, email marketing and social media management.    

Presenter: Dave Makin, President & Founder of Nexus 6 Date: May 25, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online Whether you are a team of one or 50+, the way you lead your team and company culture is a top priority! Join us for this week's Small Biz Essential webinar as Dave Makin, President & Founder of Nexus 6, shares how entrepreneurs can stay true to their values and principles as they experience growth in business and team members. About our speaker When I came up with the concept behind Nexus 6, I was ultimately influenced by the 1982 film Blade Runner. The Nexus 6 model Replicant was deemed “More Human Than Human” and seamlessly combined tech and the human element. The human element I felt was missing from a lot of current marketing agencies and advertisements. So, we decided to create the Nexus 6 agency to make marketing a little more human again.  

Presenter: Ciara Ladroma, Project Manager, The Iowa Center' WBC & Ben Schultz, Client Services Coordinator Date: May 25, 2021 Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm 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: Julie Lammers, Business Counselor at Kirkwood Small Business Development Center Date: June 1, 2021 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Location: Online Whether you are just starting your business or focusing on sustainability and growth, creating a solid financial foundation is essential to success. Join Julie Lammers to discuss expectations, financial security, and learning how to grow without the burden of debt and uncertainty About our speaker Julie is currently a Business Counselor with the Kirkwood Small Business Development Center. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at Kirkwood Community College and Module Faculty Instructor for the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program. Julie is President of Lambro Properties, a commercial investment company. Julie sold her privately owned group of stores (Coffeesmiths) to a top Midwest franchisor, Scooters Coffee in 2016. Over the course of more than 9 years, she oversaw the operations and growth of all stores including personnel (60-80 staff), inventory, process management, and daily cash management. Prior to Coffeesmiths, Julie worked 16+ years in the telecommunications industry in software and network development. Her areas of expertise are in retail: food and consumer products, process development, business plans, business pitches, and employee engagement. She also volunteers in the following organizations: Eastern Iowa SCORE chapter, University of Iowa Venture School, Marion Library Foundation, and Marion Chamber of Commerce. Julie has an MBA from Mount Mercy University. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa School with a BBA in Human Resources and Management Information Systems.  

Presenter: TJ Daniels, Sr Loan Officer + Credit Coach & Alex Polzin, Director of Finance & Administration Date: June 2, 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: Jenn Riggs, founder, and co-owner of Wander Women Iowa. Date: June 3, 2020 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 June listen to the amazing story of Jenn Riggs, founder, and co-owner of Wander Women Iowa. About our speaker Jenn is the founder and co-owner of Wander Women Iowa, an endeavor she shares with her business partner, Kerri Sorrell. Together with their team of badass guides they create and lead all-inclusive camping, backpacking, and paddling adventures throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Jenn's life philosophy is summed up quite perfectly by one of her favorite poems by Mary Oliver: “Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” Which explains why Jenn finds so much joy and inspiration in the smallest of things. You can often find her wandering in the woods, stopping often to admire a flower or a tiny creature. Jenn embraces a feminist business model and aspires to challenge the patriarchal model of leadership and business on a daily basis.