The Iowa Center

06/19/2026

What a TREAT 🧁🍦 Check out our Made in Iowa panelists for our upcoming event on Tuesday, July 21 at 3 p.m. Made in Iowa: Little Treat Edition sponsored by CLA is a panel discussion to explore the small businesses that make our communities colorful, flavorful and fun!

Our three panelists each have unique business journeys, side-hustles, and perspectives that they're excited to share with you! Join us at The Iowa Center July 21 at 3 p.m. to hear from Jess Anderson with Jess Desserts, Courtney Moller with Art You Wood Love, and Becky Vandermark with Trigger Warning Book Bus. Sweet treats included!

Register today for this free event at https://madeiniowa.eventbrite.com

06/17/2026

DON'T FORGET: We have a small business 'Always Ready: Marketing' class online TOMORROW at 3 p.m. 💻🤳

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to make a big impact with a limited marketing budget? This class will delve into cost-effective marketing techniques for startups and small businesses!

Learn more and register at: https://theiowacenter.org/services/classes/. Our Always Ready classes are no cost, through the generosity of our donors, supporters, and sponsors!

06/16/2026

After serving as a military nurse, Gloria Henriquez dreamed of starting her own Peruvian restaurant. Gloria attended The Iowa Center Always Ready Class along with our Made in Iowa event to help her start her journey of opening a small business. Gloria is now celebrating four years of running Tullpa Restaurant-Des Moines , a successful spot offering delicious Peruvian and Latin American cuisine.

06/14/2026

THIS WEEK: We have two no cost small business classes--Always Ready: Business Plan and Always Ready: Marketing 💻📒

Always Ready: Business Plan will be in-person at The Iowa Center on Tuesday, June 16 at 3 p.m. will help entrepreneurs kickstart their business plan.

Always Ready: Marketing will be online on Thursday, June 18 at 3 p.m. This class will delve into cost-effective marketing techniques for startups and small businesses!

Learn more and register at: https://theiowacenter.org/services/classes/

06/13/2026

Have you ever been to CHAIN & SPOKE? 🚲☕ Enjoy a Pancake Latte, Dutch Letter, Yuzu Tonic, Purple Lemonade or...shop for bicycles...service your bicycle...get a coffee subscription and so much more!

06/12/2026

We’re proud to partner with communities across the state of Iowa like Poweshiek County, bringing Iowa Center small business resources on the road 🚗📝 Shout out to Russ for talking small business essentials!

Great conversation and engagement this morning at Small Business Essentials in Montezuma.

Thank you to Community Development, Iowa Center, and Russell Dale for sharing valuable insights and resources with local entrepreneurs and small business owners.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together to support business growth and strengthen communities across Poweshiek County.

06/11/2026

The next phase of growth for The Iowa Center and The Iowa Center Loan Fund CDFI will be led by Board Chair Jingkan Gu, a strategist for Principal Financial Group, and Vice Chair Dave Everett, a community leader and retired Corteva executive. Gu succeeds Franklin Codel who transitions to Immediate Past-Chair and Treasurer at the conclusion of his two-year term as Chair on June 30, 2026.

Read more: https://theiowacenter.org/news/

06/10/2026

Tomorrow, June 11, 2026, our director of business coaching, Mark Juffernbruch, and small business tax preparer, Mike Smith, will be presenting at Spark DSM presented by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Join Mark and Mike at 4 p.m. for their presentation. The event is located on 12th Street from Grand to Locust in Downtown Des Moines!

The presentation will cover small business ownership/entrepreneur topics including:

1. How to understand your small business budget and statements
2. Understanding business accounting and taxes, including the different between business tax and income tax as a solopreneur
3. How to set your prices and identify your margins
4. Business funding opportunities (Diana Wright, DSM Partnership)

https://www.dsmpartnership.com/small-business/services-and-programs/spark-dsm?fbclid=IwY2xjawSWk1hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHTDBsb2hVTHUxa212ZTg4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsZlABYWXDVNg4X3JBRH1zeRpgz4giG8j1IK1q9PWtj8Xq3eztzITrLTufUW_aem_TTXwjsRhRU4QTDTTqAAEMA

06/08/2026

Did we mention how much this office loves Fiesta Mexican Restaurant? 🌮🥑🌶 They have locations in West Des Moines, Pleasant Hill & Adel! Check them out: https://www.fiestaiowa.com/westdesmoines

06/07/2026

We're thrilled to share the promotion of Director of Credit + Lending, Jose Venales, to the role of Vice President, Capital Access. Jose has been with The Iowa Center for more than five years, helping Iowa's small business owners navigate access to capital to launch, manage, and grow their business.

Jose will continue critical work in small business lending and access to capital for Iowa entrepreneurs, while fostering relationships with our partners and expanding our reach throughout Iowa.

Join us in congratulating Jose on this well-deserved accomplishment!