Working in conjunction with the Small Business Administration, the City of West Des Moines’ Community and Economic Development office has opened up a 20 seat “New Beginnings” small business class as preparation for business plan competition this summer. That competition, to be held on dates not yet determined, will feature prizes of $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000.
This course will meet weekly for seven weeks at the Des Moines Area Community College West campus in West Des Moines beginning March 22. The course fee is $500 and scholarships are available for entrepreneurs that meet guidelines for low-income households.
This program is being held in response to a recognized need to nurture the growth of small businesses by the city and is funded partially through the federal recovery monies.
The class and competition are not restricted to West Des Moines residents, however, the winners of the top three prizes will have to either locate or relocate their business in West Des Moines to accept the award.
For more information on these programs or to apply for the course, please see the city’s website at http://www.wdm-ia.com.
In the video below, Christine Gordon of the city’s Community and Economic Development Department talks about the program.
