Week of Events
Sunday, October 4, 2026
No events on this day.
Monday, October 5, 2026
No events on this day.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
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October 6, 2026 -Always Ready: Getting Ready (In-Person)
Always Ready: Getting Ready (In-Person)
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Tuesday, October 6, 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!
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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October 7, 2026 -Are You Ready for QuickBooks?
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October 7, 2026Always Ready: Lending
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October 7, 2026 -DreamBuilder Fall 2026
Are You Ready for QuickBooks?
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Community Room (24 N 9th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501) Register: Here Whether you are already using QuickBooks or still deciding, this session covers what QuickBooks does well, what it will not do, and what to have in place first. You will leave knowing whether to set QuickBooks up for your small business, keep what you already have, or hand it off. Dr. Humburg is a Fort Dodge CPA who sets up QuickBooks for small businesses. • QuickBooks: friend or foe? • Q & A Please bring your smartphone, to participate in an optional, interactive quiz. (No studying ahead of time necessary.) Click here to register!
Always Ready: Lending
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm Location: Online 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!
DreamBuilder Fall 2026
Date: Wednesday evenings, September 9 - October 28 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (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 September 2, 2026. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A personal laptop An active email and DreamBuilder login Commitment to 2 hours/week of online coursework Full attendance and participation Location: In-Person (The Iowa Center | 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312) 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 Fall 2026 cohort sponsored by U.S. Bank 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!
Thursday, October 8, 2026
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October 8, 2026 -Elevate: Marketing for Growth and Expansion (Online)
Elevate: Marketing for Growth and Expansion (Online)
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Location: Online Register: Here Growing your business means reaching new customers in meaningful ways. In this session, you'll explore marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness, connect with your target audience, and support long-term growth. Learn how to create a marketing plan that can scale alongside your business and measure the impact of your efforts. What You'll Learn Understand the role marketing plays in business growth. Identify and reach new target markets. Create a scalable marketing strategy with measurable results. Click here to register!Â
Friday, October 9, 2026
No events on this day.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
No events on this day.
