City of Des Moines
Small Business Minute
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Welcome to the November edition of the City of Des Moines' Small Business Minute newsletter! Have an idea for a future feature? Have a question about doing business in the City of Des Moines that you'd like us to answer in an upcoming edition? Let us know! | |
SMALL BUSINESS OPENINGS & EXPANSIONS | |
SULLIMA ERITREAN RESTAURANT | |
 |  | A recent culinary addition to the Douglas Avenue Corridor is Sullima Eritrean Restaurant. Located in a strip center at 2718 Douglas Avenue, the restaurant occupies a tenant space that was formerly a sports bar. Sullima is both a sit-down or take-out option for East African cuisine, with flavors primarily inspired from Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The bright, colorful, warm space and the food’s tangy, spicy flavors are the perfect antidote for the cold, blustery, gray days that lie ahead. For those unfamiliar with East African cuisine (typical items featured include injera (a type of bread), stews, hilbet (a legume-based paste), beef, goat, and lamb), staff are eagerly on hand to help make menu selections and explain traditions and customs that come with an East African dining experience. Sullima is one of the many new African immigrant-inspired businesses that have sprouted up on and around Des Moines’ Douglas Avenue corridor in recent years, a trend that has injected a fun vitality and tons of new business activity to the area. The restaurant is open from 9am to 8pm daily.
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Looking to alleviate some stress this holiday season (or any week of the year)? Check out Dinner Delights, newly opened in October at 2713 Beaver Avenue. Dinner Delights is a personal chef service that simplifies mealtime for busy individuals and families. Founded in 2017 by Andrea Love, a busy mom of three, Dinner Delights offers a variety of services including grab-and-go entrees directly from their coolers, frozen meals, freezer meal parties, and personalized catering. Their ready-to-cook meals are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and are available in both individual and family-sized portions. They also host freezer meal parties where friends can gather to assemble meals ahead of time, making dinner preparation quick and easy on busy nights. Whether it's for a weeknight dinner or a special event, Dinner Delights brings the joy of home-cooked meals to the table. For more information about their current menu offerings, visit their website at www.mydinnerdelights.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyDinnerDelights. | |
NOORI HALAL GROCERY STORE & FASHION | |
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Noori Halal Grocery Store and Fashion is a newer retail operation that has set up shop at Merle Hay Mart, 3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 112 on the northwest side of the City that is responding to the growing Afghan population in our metro area and an increased need for culturally-competent shopping experiences. A combination of fashion boutique and traditional grocery store, Noori is intended to be a place for Afghan immigrants to be able to buy culturally-specific foods and clothing. The space is packed with a mix of fresh produce, halal meats, packaged foods, casual clothes, formal/traditional wear, and traditional Afghan footwear. Noori is part of a diverse array of immigrant-owned businesses that have brought a different energy into Merle Hay Mart over the past decade or so. For those seeking an Afghan-focused shopping experience, the boutique/grocery store is open from 10am to 8pm daily.
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Know a small business that either recently located in Des Moines or made a significant investment to their existing Des Moines location? We’d love to hear about it! Drop us a line at oed@dmgov.org or 515-283-4004. Be sure to mention “small business” in any email subject lines. | |
LEGACY BUSINESS OF THE MONTH | |
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Custom Upholstery in Beaverdale is a well-established business with over 60 years of experience in the industry. Located at 2629 Beaver Avenue, this shop specializes in the complete restoration and custom upholstery of a wide range of furniture, including antiques, patio furniture, and custom headboards. They are known for their meticulous craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and personalized service. Customers can expect free estimates and a collaborative approach to selecting the perfect fabrics and finishes to breathe new life into their cherished pieces. Whether you're looking to restore a family heirloom or create a unique piece for your home, Custom Upholstery combines skill and dedication to deliver exceptional results. For more information, give them a call at (515) 279-2855.
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CITY OF DES MOINES FINANCIAL PROGRAMS | |
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Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program & Small Business Impact Loan Program
The City of Des Moines is launching two financial assistance programs that could be of interest and benefit to small business owners.
Back for Round 4, the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program is a reimbursement financial award for property owners or tenants to complete physical site or building improvements. It is intended to serve as a building stabilization tool for existing commercial and mixed-use building stock located in our City’s neighborhoods and legacy commercial nodes/corridors. There are certain types of work that are eligible for reimbursement (typical eligible work includes: facade renovations, exterior site improvements (if associated with a building improvement), roof repair/replacement, grease interceptors, energy-efficient HVAC systems, fire sprinkler/protection systems, electrical updates, and plumbing updates). Awards will range from $10,000 to $160,000, depending on project size. Project costs must be between $20,000 and $1,750,000. This is a competitive, application-based program, and the City has $300,000 of total funds for this program this year; it is expected that demand for program funds will outstrip what can be supplied. Eligible buildings must be commercial or mixed-use in nature (i.e., not residential), less than 10,000 square feet in size, and located outside of the Downtown/Gray’s Station areas of the City. Please give us a call or send an email if you have a question on whether a prospective project is eligible for this program! A Pre-Qualification period (to confirm eligibility) is anticipated to open in January with the actual application opening in February. Applications will be due at the end of February, and funding award winners are planned to be announced in late March/early April. For more information (you can view the program documents such as the application requirements, program guidelines, and scoring rubric), visit dsm.city/ncr.
New this year, the Small Business Impact Loan program is a small dollar ($5,000-$20,000) loan program for small business owners to either launch, scale, or grow their business in a brick-and-mortar Des Moines location. Designed for small business owners that face regulatory or industry-specific hurdles in scaling their operations and that don’t have access to traditional funding sources such as a bank, these loans would be low-interest (rates at 2 points below prime) and paid back over a period of 3-5 years, depending on project size. Eligible uses include tenant space improvements, equipment/fixtures/furnishings, professional design services (i.e., site plan or building permit drawings, inventory, gap financing for a real estate acquisition, building renovations, exterior site improvements, website development/design, and marketing projects/campaigns. Home-based, pop-up, or otherwise “mobile” vendors (like food trucks) are not eligible for this program, unless they are using the funds to expand into a brick-and-mortar space. Businesses must be truly small (have less than 20 full-time equivalent employees). All geographies of the City are eligible, with the exception of locations within InvestDSM Special Investment Districts. Please give us a call or send an email if you have a question on whether a prospective project is eligible for this program! Similar to the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program, a Pre-Qualification period (to confirm eligibility) is anticipated to open in January with the actual application opening in February. Applications will be due at the end of February, and funding award winners are planned to be announced in late March/early April. Contracts would then be signed and funds disbursed to business owners in late Spring 2025. For more information (you can view the program documents such as the application requirements, program guidelines, and scoring rubric), visit dsm.city/impactloan.
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SHOP TALK
A monthly feature where we attempt to explain, in simple terms, various topics related to doing business in the City of Des Moines.
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Trees - why do they matter for small businesses and what are the City's requirements?
Trees play a crucial role in enhancing the environment around small businesses, offering numerous benefits that go beyond their aesthetic appeal. They create a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere for customers, encouraging them to spend more time and money at local shops. The presence of trees can also increase property values and attract more foot traffic to business districts, which is a significant boost for small businesses that rely on local clientele. Moreover, trees provide shade and reduce urban heat islands, making outdoor spaces more comfortable during warmer months. This can lead to lower cooling costs for businesses and a more enjoyable shopping experience for customers. Additionally, trees contribute to environmental sustainability by improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and providing habitat for local wildlife. For small businesses, investing in green spaces is not just about beautification; it’s a strategic move that can enhance the overall economic and social vitality of their communities.
In Des Moines, site plan requirements for trees are part of our efforts to maintain and enhance our urban forest. When submitting a site plan for new construction, enlargement, expansion, or change of use for industrial, commercial, or multi-family residential projects, it must include specific details about tree preservation and planting. The plan should show the location and dimensions of all existing and proposed trees, ensuring that a certain number of trees are preserved or planted to meet the city's standards. Additionally, the site plan must be reviewed and approved by a professional engineer, architect, or certified nurseryman. This process helps ensure that development projects contribute positively to the city's green spaces and overall environmental health.
A few general considerations:
- In all zoning districts, each lot should have a minimum of 15% mature tree canopy coverage and be comprised of a mixture of plantings.
- Street trees located in the public-right-of-way may be counted toward the canopy coverage for each lot.
- The City of Des Moines maintains a "Permitted Tree List" and all new plantings must comply with the recommended species list. For more information, visit the City of Des Moines Forestry Department.
- Each lot is required to have one street tree for every 30 feet of street frontage, with a minimum of one street tree per street frontage.
- For additional information, review Article 7 of Chapter 135, the Planning and Design Ordinance of the Des Moines Municipal Code.
Have questions about trees and site plan requirements? Reach out to our Planning and Urban Design Division via email at planning@dmgov.org or phone at (515) 283-4192.
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Sprinklers - when and why do you need them? | |
 | | When constructing new buildings, making alterations to existing buildings, or adding different uses to existing buildings, fire protection is an important consideration that, when implemented, keeps buildings safe for occupants and preserves the integrity and value of buildings in case of a fire emergency. Automatic fire sprinkler systems are a tested, proven way to assist in mitigating fire danger from buildings. Small business owners that are thinking about constructing a building, renovating an existing space, or moving their use into a pre-existing building should be aware of the instances when automatic fire sprinkler systems are required. Fire sprinklers may be required to be installed in pre-existing buildings that are not currently equipped with fire sprinkler systems if there is a change in a space’s use. Small business owners should be aware of when automatic sprinkler systems are required to be installed in buildings as their installation (particularly in pre-existing buildings) can require significant building modifications.
Key items to note regarding automatic sprinkler systems in the City of Des Moines:
- Automatic sprinklers are required for A-2 building occupancies (restaurants, bars, banquet halls) when the fire area exceeds 1,500 square feet or there is an occupant load of 50 or more.
- Automatic sprinklers are required for S-1 building occupancies (many storage-type uses) when the fire area exceeds 6,000 square feet, and also for buildings larger than 5,000 square feet that allow for storage of commercial vehicles.
- Automatic sprinklers are required for Group M building occupancies (includes retail operations and sales floors) when the fire area exceeds 6,000 square feet.
- Automatic sprinkler systems, when required in R or I building occupancies (includes many multifamily residential and institutional-type uses), must meet the NFPA 13 standard in the City of Des Moines (and not the NFPA 13R standard that also exists and may be utilized in other municipalities).
Thinking about a space or a property for your business or development idea and have questions about automatic fire sprinkler requirements? You can reach out to both the City’s Fire Department at 515-283-4237 and the Permit and Development Center at 515-283-4200 to get your fire sprinkler questions answered before you sign a lease or close on a deal.
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Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements | |
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Small business owners, are you familiar with new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements? New in 2024, many business entities are required to report information to the United States Federal Government’s Treasury Department about who owns/controls them. These new requirements exist due to the passage of the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021, which aims to eliminate opaque company formation that has allowed money laundering and other illicit activities to occur through otherwise-legitimate business entities.
Beneficial Ownership Information is required to be filed by the end of 2024. You should read up on the requirements of BOI now so you are prepared to submit information ahead of the end-of-year deadline.
Filing BOI information is relatively quick and easy. Information is filed exclusively online – no need to fill out any paper forms, mail paperwork, or visit any government offices.
More information (frequently asked questions, brochures, how-to guides, and actual filing administration) can be found on the Treasury Department’s website at https://www.fincen.gov/boi .
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SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE PARTNERS | |
EVELYN K. DAVIS CENTER FOR WORKING FAMILIES | |
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The Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families is a vital resource for central Iowans seeking to achieve their educational and career goals. Located at 1171 7th Street, the center is part of the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and has been serving the community since 2013. Named after Evelyn K. Davis, long-time advocate for education and workforce development, the center offers a range of services including job development, career coaching, workforce training, financial education, and personal financial coaching. The center also provides support for small business coaching and youth development programming. Through its comprehensive approach, the Evelyn K. Davis Center helps individuals and families achieve financial stability and build a brighter future.
In October, the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families welcomed Dr. Eric Idehen (right) as its new Director. With an extensive background in executive leadership, community development, and DEI initiatives, Dr. Idehen brings a wealth of experience to the team. For more information about the Center and how they support small businesses, visit About Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families.
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IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS SUMMIT | Coming up this weekend (Saturday, November 16) is the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit (IES) in Ankeny! Back for its 17th year, the Summit is an all-day affair where businesses can mingle with nonprofit resource providers, elected officials, other businesses, and business services firms. This event focuses on small business growth and development, particularly for immigrant-owned and -run businesses. IES is generally a celebration of the immigrant entrepreneurial success story that has defined much of the United States’ existence. The Summit is a combination of workshops (seminars where actual businesses or others that contribute to the small business ecosystem share best practices for business growth, development, and stabilization), networking (intentional times for businesses to connect with each other and resource/business services providers, with an intentional focus on cross-cultural networking for the variety of ethnicities and business types that may be in attendance), awards (showcasing of ‘role model’ businesses, celebrating successes, and creating inspiration for existing and aspiring business owners in the room that day), and a pitch competition. Over 800 attendees are expected for the event this Saturday, and at least 50 countries of origin will be represented. Interested? There is still time to register! More information and online registration is available at this link. | |
UPCOMING CLASSES, TRAININGS, & EVENTS | |
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Want us to spotlight an event that you or your organization is putting on? Let us know by emailing oed@dmgov.org .
11/15, 11am – 3pm | VBOC Business Counseling in Des Moines
Receive one-on-one guidance on business planning, marketing, financial management, and more with VBOC at the Evelyn K. Davis Center. Counseling sessions are 30 minutes each. Register here
11/16, 8:30am - 5:30pm | Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit
See the feature above and visit this link for registration and additional information.
11/19, 1pm | Beneficial Ownership Information Webinar
Join the IRS Stakeholder Liaison and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to learn more about the new Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements and how to be sure your small business is compliant. Register here
11/25 - Small Business 101 for Real Estate Brokers
Are you a commercial real estate broker? Would you like more information about how to better support your small business clients in the City of Des Moines? If you've answered yes, then we invite you to attend an informational gathering our Small Business Support Center is hosting on Monday, November 25th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the City of Des Moines Municipal Service Center, 1551 E MLK Jr Parkway. We'll discuss zoning, permits, site plans, and other important topics related to doing business in Des Moines.
11/30 | Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event that takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was created by American Express in 2010 as a way to support small businesses and encourage consumers to shop locally during the holiday season. This day falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, making it an ideal time for shoppers to find unique, local gifts while also boosting the local economy.
12/3, 9am - 4pm | Raising Capital for Startups
Your great idea is coming to life. You own a startup company. You're on the verge of big things. But there's one problem: you need money in order to take your business to the next level — you need to raise capital. If this is you, you've come to the right place. For information and registration, click here: Raising Capital For Startups - Dec 3, 2024
Weekly | The Iowa Center for Economic Success offers weekly, FREE business planning courses to help you understand how to gear up for your small business journey. The “Always Ready” series covers a variety of fundamental topics for new business owners. Different subtopics (i.e., business plans, loan programs, bookkeeping, trademarks, etc.) are covered in each session. For more information and to register for an Always Ready class, use this link.
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CITY OF DES MOINES SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER | |
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If you or someone you know is a small business just starting out, looking to expand, or just wants to hear about what types of resources/assistance are available within the City of Des Moines, we'd love to hear from you!
How can we help?
- Assess how “ready” small businesses are to open up a physical location in the City
- Refer small businesses to the City’s various resource partners (think: Small Business Administration, lending institutions, business development organizations, etc.)
- Provide parameters for individuals looking for physical space in the City, and outlining City requirements before businesses formally engage with City processes
- Interface with the City’s various Chambers of Commerce and other community partners
- Meet with various agencies, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and other organizations in the City’s small business ecosystem to hear the opportunities, challenges, successes, and barriers for small businesses in Des Moines
- Visit businesses and try to tell their story (see: this week’s newsletter!)
- Connect small businesses with other Departments/divisions at the City
- Provide a “small business” perspective for the City’s overall land development strategy
- Attend community events and provide information on City processes/procedures and available small business assistance within the community
Please share this newsletter with others.
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