Small Business and Startup Stories DSM

Pivotal Business Partners: Helping small businesses and entrepreneurs find capital

Jim Langin founded Pivotal Business Partners to enhance economic growth in Iowa by partnering with financial institutions to provide funding solutions for small businesses. For more business resources, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

Flowstate Health takes a collaborative approach to mental healthcare

Steven Slye, founder and owner owner of Flowstate Health, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and talks about reverse engineering mental healthcare to take a collaborative approach. For more resources supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

Starting her own practice: How Courtney Buhrow built Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness

Courtney Buhrow joins The Partnership's Emily McLain on Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about her journey of opening Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness with a focus on women's health. For more small business and entrepreneur resources, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

Downtown Des Moines' Role in the Region's Entrepreneur Ecosystem

Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, joins Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about why a strong downtown is important to the region and how Downtown DSM relates to entrepreneurship. Find more about small business and entrepreneur resources at www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

Working to build the music scene in Greater Des Moines

Sam Summers, a live music and entertainment serial entrepreneur who has built and founded First Fleet Concerts (FFC), Hinterland Music Festival, Wooly’s, Val Air Ballroom, Up-Down Arcade Bars and Des Moines Register 2024 Person to Watch, shares thoughts on growing the music scene in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn more about entrepreneurial and small business support at www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

Passion and Knowledge of the Apparel Industry Leads to the Creation of Dhakai in DSM

Russel Karim, Founder of Dhakai, shares about connecting fashion brands to ethical apparel vendors utilizing a worldwide team while living in Iowa.

Finding Your North: Award-Winning Marketing with Northgate

David Tracy, CEO and Founder of Northgate Marketing, shares about what it’s like to run a business like Northgate Marketing in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

VizyPay Focuses on Helping Rural Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Austin Mac Nab, CEO and Founder of VizyPay, and Frank Pagano, Managing Partner of VizyPay, share about what it’s like to run a business like VizyPay in Greater Des Moines (DSM).  

Studio Process Goes Beyond the Script to Create a Big Impact

Laura Formanek, Owner of Studio Process, talks with The Partnership's Emily McLain about creating meaningful content and founding her business in Greater Des Moines (DSM). 

Growth of Local Startup OpenLoop Leads to Recognition in Health Technology Industry

Jon Lensing, CEO & Co-Founder of OpenLoop Health, shares how the company continues to expand through gaining talented employees and creating partnerships to increase care around the country.

Hyping Up DSM One Energy Drink at a Time

Chris and Isabella Whalen, Co-Owners of Hyper Energy Bar, share how Hyper is a go-to spot for people around the region to get coffee, energy drinks and more.

Making the World Safer with IntelliSee Technology

Scott Keplinger, CEO of IntelliSee, headquartered in Coralville and Des Moines, shares about his work creating software that provides surveillance safety for businesses.

Musical Artist Lani Joins Mainframe Studios and Makes a Name for Herself in DSM

Lani, Creative Business Owner and Musician in Greater Des Moines (DSM), shares her business and entrepreneurial journey with Greater Des Moines Partnership Small Business and Member Support Manager Emily McLain.

Working to Give Rural Communities the Opportunity to Thrive

Bill Menner, Founder of the Bill Menner Group in Grinnell and executive director of Iowa Rural Development Council discussed his Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journey

5 Borough Bagels serves up bagels while focusing on community partnerships that strengthen their customer base

Toney and Sarah Chem, Co-Owners of 5 Borough Bagels (13435 University Ave., Clive), discussed their Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journey

Music League Connects Friends + Helps Them Discover New Music

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Eric West, CEO/Co-Founder of Music League, discussed his entrepreneurial journey with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright. Music League is a competitive, objective game to discover new music, build community among colleagues, family, and friends, and ultimately find out if you or your friends have the best taste in music. 

Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Northern Vessel Coffee | Travis Shelton

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, T.J. Rude, Founder of Northern Vessel Coffee, discussed growing up in Johnston, Iowa and his entrepreneurial journey. Hosted by Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright.

Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Northern Vessel Coffee | T.J. Rude

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, T.J. Rude, Founder of Northern Vessel Coffee, discussed growing up in Johnston, Iowa and his entrepreneurial journey. Hosted by Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright.

Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Wake Up Every Day + Pursue the Meaning | Travis Shelton

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Travis Shelton, Founder and Owner of Meaning Over Money, author and podcast, discussed starting his business and how beliefs about money affect your life with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright.

Startup Stories | Lake Label Swim Protective Swimwear | Megan Luchtel

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Megan Luchtel, Founder and of Lake Label, a children’s sun-protective swimwear company, spoke with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright about her path to creating an impactful small business, built locally and selling nationwide.

Learn about spending money to make money with Propel, new subscription-based CMO service | Greg Bailey and Haley Stomp

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Greg Bailey, Founder and CEO of Propel, a business strategic marketing organization, and Hailey Stomp, Founding Partner, Principal and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), spoke with Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Diana Wright about spending money to make money by staying competitive when it comes to marketing thought leadership. 

Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Sevelyn – Mental Wellbeing for Latinos | Carlos Arguello

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Carlos Arguello, founder of Sevelyn, a mental wellbeing platform based out of Greater Des Moines (DSM), spoke about emotional wellbeing and challenges related to the Latino community. 

Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Helping Bioscience Startups In Iowa | Anne McMahon

At BioConnect Iowa, Anne McMahon works to help bioscience startups succeed. As the SBIR/STTR statewide program coordinator, she helps Iowa entrepreneurs apply to an SBIR/STTR Outreach Program, which awards funds to startups and small businesses who can help develop and research innovative solutions. 

How Venture Capitalists (VCs) Find Entrepreneurs | Matt Kinley, ManchesterStory Group

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Matt Kinley, co-founder and manager of ManchesterStory Group, a venture capital firm based out of Greater Des Moines (DSM), spoke about how the company assists startups in the following sectors:  – Insurance  – Healthcare  – Financial services

2021 Year End Review

During the last Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast of 2021, Partnership’s Christina Moffatt, director of small business development, and Diana Wright, startup community builder, shared their thoughts on 2021 and what’s to come in 2022.

Opportunity in the Ag Tech Industry | Nadilia Gomez, Chief Technology Officer with Iowa State University

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Nadilia Gomez expanded on her journey to chief technology officer (CTO) with Iowa State University (ISU) after being hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership for a previous Startup Stories podcast. Gomez discussed leading the digital and precision agriculture platform. As CTO, Gomez works with organizations like the Plant Sciences Institute and BioConnect Iowa.  

Experience Urban Farming with Dogpatch Urban Gardens in DSM

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Jenny Quiner discussed urban farming and Dogpatch Urban Gardens in Greater Des Moines (DSM). For six seasons, Dogpatch has created a space close to their customers so patrons can experience a farm close to their home. 

Roboflow Co-Founder Looks Back at Building a Growing, Successful Startup

Brad Dwyer, co-founder of Roboflow, discussed the past 18 months for the company and how the business has grown to what it is today. A serial entrepreneur, Dwyer started his first company, Hatchlings, while a student at Iowa State University. His parents knew he’d be an entrepreneur after attending a wedding where Dwyer learned about supply and demand. He sold his parents quarters to park for $2 each, his first profitable business. He was five years old.

Roboflow Co-Founder Looks Back at Building a Growing, Successful Startup

Brad Dwyer, co-founder of Roboflow, discussed the past 18 months for the company and how the business has grown to what it is today. A serial entrepreneur, Dwyer started his first company, Hatchlings, while a student at Iowa State University. His parents knew he’d be an entrepreneur after attending a wedding where Dwyer learned about supply and demand. He sold his parents quarters to park for $2 each, his first profitable business. He was five years old.

Roboflow Founder Looks Back at Building a Growing, Successful Startup

Brad Dwyer, co-founder of Roboflow, discussed the past 18 months for the company and how the business has grown to what it is today. A serial entrepreneur, Dwyer started his first company, Hatchlings, while a student at Iowa State University. His parents knew he’d be an entrepreneur after attending a wedding where Dwyer learned about supply and demand. He sold his parents quarters to park for $2 each, his first profitable business. He was five years old.

Terrence Thames - Cocoa Creative

Lola's Fine Kitchen Heats Up In DSM

Hannah Elliott, chef and managing partner at Lola’s Fine Kitchen, shared how she began the business with Greater Des Moines Partnership Director of Small Business Development Christina Moffatt during the latest Small Business and Startup Stories podcast.

Hannah Elliott

Empowering Refugee Youth + Working to Create Job Opportunities in DSM

 Pi515 creates pathways to empower youth in DSM to become the faces in the future of tech. In 2010, Nancy Mwirotsi founded Pi515 to serve refugee youth throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM) by teaching them technology skills, coding and critical thinking to help them become innovative and empowered for STEM-field careers. 

Empowering Refugee Youth + Working to Create Job Opportunities in DSM

 Pi515 creates pathways to empower youth in DSM to become the faces in the future of tech. In 2010, Nancy Mwirotsi founded Pi515 to serve refugee youth throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM) by teaching them technology skills, coding and critical thinking to help them become innovative and empowered for STEM-field careers. 

How to Stop “Shoulding” + Start Living in Order to Live Your Best Life

Get past the fears in your life and learn how to take charge of your life and choices to find success.  For Jill Andersen, a speaker and coach in Greater Des Moines (DSM), “shoulding” had become a way of life. The Cedar Rapids area native and ISU grad majored in food science, which served her well for 20 years. She worked for General Mills, where food became a fun and interesting career. But the longer she was there, the more she thought there must be something more. So, she left the corpor...

How to Stop “Shoulding” + Start Living in Order to Live Your Best Life

Get past the fears in your life and learn how to take charge of your life and choices to find success.  For Jill Andersen, a speaker and coach in Greater Des Moines (DSM), “shoulding” had become a way of life. The Cedar Rapids area native and ISU grad majored in food science, which served her well for 20 years. She worked for General Mills, where food became a fun and interesting career. But the longer she was there, the more she thought there must be something more. So, she left the corpor...

Siobhan Spain And Beau Kenyon

Artist Workspace in Greater Des Moines (DSM)

Diana Wright, Startup Community Builder at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Siobhan Spain, Director of the Local Artist Workspace at Mainframe Studios, and Beau Kenyon, Composer and Art Advocate in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and Boston, discuss arts entrepreneurship and artists in DSM in the latest Startup Stories podcast. 

BURN Boot Camp Brings #BurnNation to DSM

For Darci Evans, co-owning her own business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) has brought big rewards. 

PowerPollen Founders on the Influence of Good Mentors

Jason Cope and Todd Krone return to Startup Stories DSM to discuss good mentors and where PowerPollen stands today.

Salon Owner in DSM Pivots During the Pandemic

Tricia Rivas shares how she became owner of Trixie’s Salon in Greater Des Moines (DSM). 

Salon Owner in DSM Pivots During the Pandemic

Tricia Rivas shares how she became owner of Trixie’s Salon in Greater Des Moines (DSM). 

The Future of the DSM Startup Community Post-COVID

Tej Dhawan and Ben Milne join Mike Colwell to discuss the Greater Des Moines startup community from 2010 to now.

Iowa Event Producer Launches Second Startup in DSM

Amy Nebons describes her journey into entrepreneurship with Blink Events and BOCS DSM in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Agrisync Sees Growth Year After Year

Casey Niemann reflects on the start of Agrisync, business focus and startup mentors for Startup Stories DSM. Agrisync, a startup based in Greater Des Moines (DSM), continues to see growth year after year. As the founder of the ag company, Niemann says that with more than 20 employees, and up to 10 staff members expected to be added in 2021, Agrisync serves more than 38,000 customers in more than 10 countries.

ISA Ventures Raises Capital Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Eric Engelmann discusses the start of ISA Ventures and raising capital to help Iowa-based companies grow.

Velorosa Sees High Sales in 2020 Amid Surge in Pandemic Cycling

Velorosa Cycling is Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) local shop for women’s cycling wear. From jerseys, tanks and shorts to face masks, rubber jewelry and other accessories, Velorosa has it all. Owners Kim Hopkins and Lisa Carponelli join Startup Stories DSM to discuss the business with the podcast’s host, Mike Colwell.

DSM Startup Impacts Marketing for Faith-Based Nonprofits

Chad Williams’ passion is faith-based nonprofits. From his time as a webmaster with a ministry nonprofit to his jump to startup owner bringing marketing services to faith-based nonprofits, Williams keeps his mission front and center. Five Q provides solutions that lead to higher website engagement, improved donations and an overall greater digital impact. 

Blk N Bold Coffee Co-Founder Cezar Pernell

Pernell Cezar Jr. is co-founder and CEO of BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, known for coffee and tea manufacturing that pledges 5% of its profits to programs for youth to develop professionally and fight youth homelessness. The company works with 14 youth pledge partners across the country in its effort to prioritize purpose. BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages is the first black-owned, nationally distributed coffee brand, and it’s headquartered in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The BLK & Bold story h...