Startup Stories DSM features conversations with entrepreneurs who share both their victories and failures on their paths to success. It is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
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Cultivating inclusion: How In Harmony Farm serves social disadvantaged Iowans
39:06
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Gina Ross and Andy Behnke of In Harmony Farm join The Partnership's Diana Wright and talk about the organization's commitment to creating an environment focused on inclusion, empowerment, and respect for all, and how the farm bridges the gap between urban gardening and small-scale/conventional farming for historically underserved individuals. For m…
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Notes on Iowa: Iowa's environmental History
51:13
51:13
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Kevin Mason, professional historian and creator of Notes on Iowa, joins Diana Wright and talks about Iowa's environmental history. Find more resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusinessBy Greater Des Moines Partnership
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In its third generation of family ownership, Toad Valley Golf Course celebrated its 50th year in 2023
36:21
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Allison Brady, owner of Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, joins The Partnership's Emily McLain and talks about growing the business in its third generation of family ownership. For more information and resources on small business and entrepreneurship, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness…
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Growing the family business: Kading Properties provides workforce housing in 28 Iowa communities
20:22
20:22
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Karie Kading Ramsey, CEO of Kading Properties, joins Emily McLain and talks about growing the workforce housing business her father started to 28 communities in 17 counties.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Tumbleweed helps customers plan ahead for life's transitions
38:18
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Paul Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO of Tumbleweed, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright on Small Business and Startup Stories DSM and talks about starting Tumbleweed as an end-of-life planning company that offers a thoughtfully curated journey to honor and memorialize loved ones. Visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness for more information and r…
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Toggle aims to build a more efficient supply chain focused on independent trucking
29:36
29:36
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29:36
Jeremy Spillman, founder of Toggle, joins The Partntership's Diana Wright on Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about how his team has built a new type of end-to-end supply chain management system that aims to automate many of the current manual, labor-intensive processes used in the shipping industry.…
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Growing his business one waffle at a time: Garrison Goodlett shares the story of GG's Chicken and Waffles
27:04
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27:04
His name is Garrison Goodlett, but you might know him as G.G. If you've been to local events or farmers' markets, you've probably seen him selling his southern comfort food. In this episode of Small Business & Startup Stories DSM, Goodlett talks with Emily McLain about starting and growing GG's Chicken and Waffles. For more information and resource…
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Pivotal Business Partners: Helping small businesses and entrepreneurs find capital
49:06
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Flowstate Health takes a collaborative approach to mental healthcare
39:54
39:54
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Starting her own practice: How Courtney Buhrow built Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness
27:04
27:04
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Downtown Des Moines' Role in the Region's Entrepreneur Ecosystem
30:52
30:52
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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.…
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Working to build the music scene in Greater Des Moines
48:00
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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 sma…
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Passion and Knowledge of the Apparel Industry Leads to the Creation of Dhakai in DSM
43:34
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Russel Karim, Founder of Dhakai, shares about connecting fashion brands to ethical apparel vendors utilizing a worldwide team while living in Iowa.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Finding Your North: Award-Winning Marketing with Northgate
47:09
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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).By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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VizyPay Focuses on Helping Rural Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses
48:17
48:17
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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).By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Studio Process Goes Beyond the Script to Create a Big Impact
26:26
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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).By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Growth of Local Startup OpenLoop Leads to Recognition in Health Technology Industry
39:30
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Making the World Safer with IntelliSee Technology
27:35
27:35
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Scott Keplinger, CEO of IntelliSee, headquartered in Coralville and Des Moines, shares about his work creating software that provides surveillance safety for businesses.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Musical Artist Lani Joins Mainframe Studios and Makes a Name for Herself in DSM
31:37
31:37
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Working to Give Rural Communities the Opportunity to Thrive
48:58
48:58
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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 journeyBy Greater Des Moines Partnership
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5 Borough Bagels serves up bagels while focusing on community partnerships that strengthen their customer base
24:42
24:42
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Toney and Sarah Chem, Co-Owners of 5 Borough Bagels (13435 University Ave., Clive), discussed their Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journeyBy Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Music League Connects Friends + Helps Them Discover New Music
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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 u…
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Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Northern Vessel Coffee | T.J. Rude
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Wake Up Every Day + Pursue the Meaning | Travis Shelton
47:18
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47:18
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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Startup Stories | Lake Label Swim Protective Swimwear | Megan Luchtel
41:43
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41:43
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.…
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Learn about spending money to make money with Propel, new subscription-based CMO service | Greg Bailey and Haley Stomp
46:33
46:33
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46:33
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 compet…
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Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Sevelyn – Mental Wellbeing for Latinos | Carlos Arguello
52:03
52:03
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Helping Bioscience Startups In Iowa | Anne McMahon
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35:24
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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How Venture Capitalists (VCs) Find Entrepreneurs | Matt Kinley, ManchesterStory Group
40:19
40:19
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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…
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Opportunity in the Ag Tech Industry | Nadilia Gomez, Chief Technology Officer with Iowa State University
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41:56
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, Gome…
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Experience Urban Farming with Dogpatch Urban Gardens in DSM
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Roboflow Co-Founder Looks Back at Building a Growing, Successful Startup
52:11
52:11
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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 dem…
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By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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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.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Empowering Refugee Youth + Working to Create Job Opportunities in DSM
32:13
32:13
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32:13
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.…
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How to Stop “Shoulding” + Start Living in Order to Live Your Best Life
23:49
23:49
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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 fo…
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Artist Workspace in Greater Des Moines (DSM)
54:26
54:26
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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.…
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For Darci Evans, co-owning her own business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) has brought big rewards.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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PowerPollen Founders on the Influence of Good Mentors
40:17
40:17
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Jason Cope and Todd Krone return to Startup Stories DSM to discuss good mentors and where PowerPollen stands today.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Salon Owner in DSM Pivots During the Pandemic
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Tricia Rivas shares how she became owner of Trixie’s Salon in Greater Des Moines (DSM).By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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The Future of the DSM Startup Community Post-COVID
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55:42
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Tej Dhawan and Ben Milne join Mike Colwell to discuss the Greater Des Moines startup community from 2010 to now.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Iowa Event Producer Launches Second Startup in DSM
22:34
22:34
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Amy Nebons describes her journey into entrepreneurship with Blink Events and BOCS DSM in Greater Des Moines (DSM).By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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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, Agrisyn…
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ISA Ventures Raises Capital Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Eric Engelmann discusses the start of ISA Ventures and raising capital to help Iowa-based companies grow.By Greater Des Moines Partnership
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Velorosa Sees High Sales in 2020 Amid Surge in Pandemic Cycling
39:48
39:48
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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.…
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DSM Startup Impacts Marketing for Faith-Based Nonprofits
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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 …
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Blk N Bold Coffee Co-Founder Cezar Pernell
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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 Be…
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Three-Time Startup Owner Creates New Startup to Connect Nonprofit Givers
41:18
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Matt Ostanik, Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur, speaks with Greater Des Moines Partnership Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives Mike Colwell about connecting people and businesses who are willing to give with nonprofits that need additional help. This is the mission of his latest startup, Given. Previously, Ostanik founded three o…
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