• Always Ready: Lending (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm Location: 2210 Grand Avenue, 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!

  • Always Ready: Financials (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 Register: Here Running a small business requires more than having a passion and a vision. To be successful you need to have your financials in order. Unless you are familiar with bookkeeping basics, you might not know how crucial having the right financial documents are to your success. Join The Iowa Center staff as we go over the most useful and important financial documents for your small business. We will discuss and define: Income Statement/Profit and Loss Statement Cash Flow Statement Balance Sheet Accounts Receivable Budget Click here to register!

  • DreamBuilder Summer 2026

    DreamBuilder Summer 2026
    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

              Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm from May 27th to July 22nd (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 May 20th.  COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A personal laptop An active email and DreamBuilder login Commitment to 2 hours/week of online coursework Full attendance and participation Location: Online 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 Summer 2026 cohort 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!

  • Always Ready: Business Plan (In-Person)

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

    Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 4:00pm Location: 2210 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 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! 

  • Always Ready: Marketing

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

              Presenter: The Iowa Center Staff Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm Location: Online Register: Here Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to make a big impact with a limited marketing budget? Look no further than "Marketing for Startups with a Small Budget - A Blueprint for Small Business Marketing." This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively market your startup or small business without breaking the bank. In today's competitive business landscape, creativity and resourcefulness can be your greatest assets, and this course will show you how to leverage them to achieve remarkable marketing results. Throughout this course, you will delve into innovative, cost-effective marketing techniques tailored specifically for startups and small businesses. From crafting a compelling brand story and harnessing the power of social media to mastering guerrilla marketing tactics and optimizing your online presence, you'll gain a comprehensive toolkit for maximizing your marketing efforts on a shoestring budget. Join us on a journey to discover how to reach your target audience, generate leads, and build a loyal customer base, all while managing your resources efficiently. By the end of this course, you'll have a solid blueprint for navigating the world of marketing as a small business, setting you on a path toward sustainable growth and success. Don't let a limited budget hold you back – learn how to market smarter, not harder, and watch your business thrive. Click here to register!

  • Brooklyn Business Builder Series

    Brooklyn Business Builder Series
    First National Bank Building 101 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, United States

              Dates: Tuesday, June 23, July 7, July 21, and August 4 Location: First National Bank Building (101 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, IA 52211) The Brooklyn Business Builder Series is a free 4-class series presented by The Iowa Center in partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative, and Brooklyn Economic Development. Small business owners face opportunities and challenges every day. The Brooklyn Business Builder Series teaches the fundamentals of building and maintaining a strong business so you're prepared when need or opportunity arises. Attend one class, a few, or all four — whatever fits your schedule. All classes begin at 3:00 p.m. CLASS 1: Getting Ready How to prepare to start your small business Tuesday, June 23 at 3 p.m. CLASS 2: Business Plan Overview and key elements of a small business plan Tuesday, July 7 at 3 p.m. CLASS 3: Financials & Loans Financial statements, transactions, and lending basics Tuesday, July 21 at 3 p.m. CLASS 4: Marketing A blueprint for small business marketing Tuesday, August 4 at 3 p.m.

  • DreamBuilder Summer 2026

    DreamBuilder Summer 2026
    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

              Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm from May 27th to July 22nd (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 May 20th.  COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A personal laptop An active email and DreamBuilder login Commitment to 2 hours/week of online coursework Full attendance and participation Location: Online 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 Summer 2026 cohort 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!

  • Brooklyn Business Builder Series

    Brooklyn Business Builder Series
    First National Bank Building 101 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, United States

              Dates: Tuesday, June 23, July 7, July 21, and August 4 Location: First National Bank Building (101 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, IA 52211) The Brooklyn Business Builder Series is a free 4-class series presented by The Iowa Center in partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative, and Brooklyn Economic Development. Small business owners face opportunities and challenges every day. The Brooklyn Business Builder Series teaches the fundamentals of building and maintaining a strong business so you're prepared when need or opportunity arises. Attend one class, a few, or all four — whatever fits your schedule. All classes begin at 3:00 p.m. CLASS 1: Getting Ready How to prepare to start your small business Tuesday, June 23 at 3 p.m. CLASS 2: Business Plan Overview and key elements of a small business plan Tuesday, July 7 at 3 p.m. CLASS 3: Financials & Loans Financial statements, transactions, and lending basics Tuesday, July 21 at 3 p.m. CLASS 4: Marketing A blueprint for small business marketing Tuesday, August 4 at 3 p.m.

  • DreamBuilder Summer 2026

    DreamBuilder Summer 2026
    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

              Day/Time: Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm from May 27th to July 22nd (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 May 20th.  COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A personal laptop An active email and DreamBuilder login Commitment to 2 hours/week of online coursework Full attendance and participation Location: Online 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 Summer 2026 cohort 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!

  • Brooklyn Business Builder Series

    Brooklyn Business Builder Series
    First National Bank Building 101 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, United States

              Dates: Tuesday, June 23, July 7, July 21, and August 4 Location: First National Bank Building (101 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, IA 52211) The Brooklyn Business Builder Series is a free 4-class series presented by The Iowa Center in partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative, and Brooklyn Economic Development. Small business owners face opportunities and challenges every day. The Brooklyn Business Builder Series teaches the fundamentals of building and maintaining a strong business so you're prepared when need or opportunity arises. Attend one class, a few, or all four — whatever fits your schedule. All classes begin at 3:00 p.m. CLASS 1: Getting Ready How to prepare to start your small business Tuesday, June 23 at 3 p.m. CLASS 2: Business Plan Overview and key elements of a small business plan Tuesday, July 7 at 3 p.m. CLASS 3: Financials & Loans Financial statements, transactions, and lending basics Tuesday, July 21 at 3 p.m. CLASS 4: Marketing A blueprint for small business marketing Tuesday, August 4 at 3 p.m.

  • DreamBuilder Summer 2026 Graduation

    The Iowa Center 2210 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States

            Day/Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM (for full details and class schedule, click here!) Location: Online In our final session, we’ll celebrate your hard work and growth throughout the course. This graduation class is your opportunity to put everything you’ve learned into action by presenting your business pitch and sharing your marketing strategy with your peers and instructors. You’ll have the chance to showcase your brand story, creative marketing ideas, and the strategies you’ve developed to reach your audience on a budget. This is a supportive and engaging space to gain feedback, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and be inspired by the innovative approaches others have crafted. We’ll close out the course by recognizing your accomplishments and setting the stage for your next steps as a confident, resourceful business owner ready to make an impact.

  • Brooklyn Business Builder Series

    Brooklyn Business Builder Series
    First National Bank Building 101 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, United States

              Dates: Tuesday, June 23, July 7, July 21, and August 4 Location: First National Bank Building (101 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, IA 52211) The Brooklyn Business Builder Series is a free 4-class series presented by The Iowa Center in partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative, and Brooklyn Economic Development. Small business owners face opportunities and challenges every day. The Brooklyn Business Builder Series teaches the fundamentals of building and maintaining a strong business so you're prepared when need or opportunity arises. Attend one class, a few, or all four — whatever fits your schedule. All classes begin at 3:00 p.m. CLASS 1: Getting Ready How to prepare to start your small business Tuesday, June 23 at 3 p.m. CLASS 2: Business Plan Overview and key elements of a small business plan Tuesday, July 7 at 3 p.m. CLASS 3: Financials & Loans Financial statements, transactions, and lending basics Tuesday, July 21 at 3 p.m. CLASS 4: Marketing A blueprint for small business marketing Tuesday, August 4 at 3 p.m.