Resources for Entrepreneurs and Small Local Businesses in Greater Des Moines

As you look to Greater Des Moines (DSM) as a contender to start or grow your business venture, we can help point you in the right direction to navigate small business resources, success stories from local startup founders, one-to-one support and mentorship, even a robust list of organizations around the region that are right here and ready to help you with your business needs.  

Why Choose Greater Des Moines for Your Small Business

As a Top 20 Best Place to Start a Small Business in a High-Growth Sector (The Credit Review, 2024) and a #8 Top Place to Start a Small Business (LendingTree, 2023), entrepreneurship happens in DSM. Since 2015, small businesses have created more than 75,000 jobs in DSM and Iowa companies have raised more than $430 million in capital since 2018 — showing unparalleled and sustained growth in entrepreneurship here in DSM.

Find Help Getting Started in Greater Des Moines

The Greater Des Moines Partnership, the region’s economic and community development organization, offers many services and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Small Business Resources Hub covers a wide range of topics, success stories, local DSM events and networking opportunities and more to explore.  

Contact The Partnership team and get connected to the DSM small business community and learn more about the region’s inclusive business strategies, startup community building and small business resources. 

Be In the Know About the Greater Des Moines Small Business Community

As you research Greater Des Moines for business, tap into these sources and access a strong community network, success stories, networking and knowledge-based events plus ongoing communications in order to stay connected. 

• Browse the Affiliate Chambers of Commerce Network located here in the region, and take a look at the 7,200+ Members of those collective Chambers of Commerce to get a feel for the range of businesses currently thriving here. 
• Take a look at the most impactful small business and entrepreneurial events taking place here such as Chamber events and other small business- and startup-focused happenings. 
• Sign up for the Small Business Resources Newsletter and the Startup Iowa Hot List, explore a curated list of blogs geared towards entrepreneurs.
• You might also be interested other local news outlets and news sources covering the entrepreneurial ecosystem in DSM. 
• The Iowa Innovation Dashboard is a comprehensive indicator of entrepreneurial activity in Iowa and measures various metrics indicators pertaining to the entrepreneurship in Iowa. 
• Small business and startups hiring in DSM can get their jobs in front of prospective employees by posting it on the Greater DSM USA Career Center.  Learn more about submitting a job.