Week of Events
Sunday, November 15, 2026
No events on this day.
Monday, November 16, 2026
No events on this day.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
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November 17, 2026 -Made in Iowa: Season of Support
Made in Iowa: Season of Support
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 Time: 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: Flora Cafe in the Des Moines Botanical Gardens (909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA) Register: Here The holiday season is often a crucial time for small businesses, and shopping local can make a lasting impact on Iowa’s small business owners, entrepreneurs, and our communities. Join The Iowa Center for Made in Iowa: Season of Support sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA,) a special edition of our Made in Iowa series, highlighting the small businesses that make our communities vibrant and fun places to live, work, and visit. Featuring a panel of Iowa's small business owners, this conversation explores what shopping local looks like ahead of the holiday season and how entrepreneurs prepare for one of the busiest times of year for their business. Attendees will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges small businesses face during the holidays and find meaningful ways to keep their dollars local ahead of this season. Join us for an engaging afternoon of conversation and connection at Flora Cafe, proudly owned and operated by Chef Suman and Dr. Cynthia Hoque of HoQ restaurant, located in the Des Moines Botanical Gardens. This panel discussion features: Yinka Cole, Edara Wellness Coffee & Tea Callé Friesen, Quiltberry Farm 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: Register Here Upon entering the Des Moines Botanical Gardens, Iowa Center staff will direct you and any guests to Flora Restaurant. Any attendees looking to explore the botanical gardens following the speaker panel will need to purchase Botanical Garden tickets for "Dome for the Holidays," which are available for purchase after 10/15/2026.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
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November 18, 2026 -Always Ready: Business Plan
Always Ready: Business Plan
Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm 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!Â
Thursday, November 19, 2026
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November 19, 2026 -Elevate: Building a Successful Expansion Strategy (Online)
Elevate: Building a Successful Expansion Strategy (Online)
   Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here A successful expansion starts with a solid plan. This session focuses on building a strategy that supports sustainable growth by helping you identify the resources, capital, and people needed to move your business forward. You'll also learn how to anticipate potential risks and create a roadmap for achieving your expansion goals. What You'll Learn Build a strategic roadmap for business expansion. Determine the capital needed to support growth. Learn how to build the right team and manage expansion risks. Click here to register!Â
Friday, November 20, 2026
No events on this day.
Saturday, November 21, 2026
No events on this day.
