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Economic Development

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Applications open for Spark DSM Minority Business Incubator downtown events

The Greater Des Moines Partnership has launched the Spark DSM Minority Business Incubator program, which is now accepting applications for upcoming downtown events. Applications, which are open through May 7, include the Downtown Farmers’ Market …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 20, 2023
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Iowa’s March unemployment rate slips to 2.8%

Iowa businesses added 2,900 jobs in March, raising the state’s total nonfarm employment to nearly 1.6 million workers, Iowa Workforce Development reported today.

Sectors that experienced increased employment were education and health services (up 1,500 …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 20, 2023
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Partnership releases federal policy agenda ahead of DMDC 2023

The Greater Des Moines Partnership released its federal policy agenda as it prepares for its annual trip to Washington D.C. next month. Photo by Michael Crumb

As it finalizes plans for its annual DMDC trip …
By Michael Crumb | Apr 20, 2023
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Partnership’s DSM Intern Connection returns this summer

The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced its intern series, DSM Intern Connection, will return with free events throughout the summer.  All college-aged interns working in Greater Des Moines are invited to attend. Students who …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 19, 2023
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Seven leaders honored at Iowa Rural Summit

Seven leaders were honored at the recent Iowa Rural Summit with the Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Award for making a difference in their rural community or region. The award, sponsored by the Iowa Area Development …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 18, 2023
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SBA finalizes rules addressing capital access gaps for underrepresented business owners

The U.S. Small Business Administration has finalized two rules to address persistent gaps in access to capital affecting small business owners in underserved communities. According to a news release, the final rules grant permanence to …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 17, 2023
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Quarterly report shows increasing foot traffic, economic momentum downtown

Business Record file photo

Downtown Des Moines saw foot traffic increase to an average of 83% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023, according to a new quarterly report published by the Greater …
By Michael Crumb | Apr 13, 2023
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IEDA approves innovation funding to three Iowa startups

The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced Monday innovation funding for three startups through Iowa’s State Small Business Credit Initiative. The Innovation Fund was created as part of the initiative to offer additional funding opportunities to …
By Michael Crumb | Apr 13, 2023
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SBA names 3 Iowa business owners as small business champs

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Iowa District Office has announced the winners of its 2023 Iowa Small Business Champion of the Year awards. The award winners are named ahead of National Small Business Week, scheduled …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 11, 2023
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State launches new job search service to help connect veterans and Iowa employers

A new online portal has been created to help veterans and their families find jobs in Iowa, Iowa Workforce Development announced last week. According to a news release, the new portal provides veterans with one-on-one …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 11, 2023