Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 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!

Presenter: Mitch Boeck and Jennica Minor Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here Planning for tax season is an essential part setting up your business for success. Let's make sure yours are set up correctly. In this course, we'll review: typical business expenses including various rules, limits and recordkeeping requirements (home office, depreciation, etc.), basic year-end tax planning. Prerequisite: Tax Basics 1.0 Join our presenters Mitch Boeck and Jennica Minor from CliftonLarsonAllen in The Iowa Center office! Click here to register!

Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 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!

Day/Time: Thursdays, 9:00 - 12:00 am and Tuesday, 9:00-10:30 am Location: Online Cost: $250 Apply online here.  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. DreamMaker Virtual makes it simpler. Here's what you'll do during this 10-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 12:00 on Thursdays for 10 weeks. In addition, speaker sessions will be held from 9 am to 10:30 am Tuesdays. Cost: $250 (inquire about payment plans available) 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