DES MOINES, Iowa —October 1, 2026— SCORE Iowa will officially begin serving the entire state as a unified organization October 1, 2026. Bringing Iowa's existing SCORE chapters together into one statewide organization strengthens SCORE's ability to serve entrepreneurs and small businesses across all 99 counties of Iowa as well as metro areas in some adjoining states.For more than 60 years, SCORE has provided free, confidential, expert business mentoring and educational resources to people starting,
Common Payroll Risks Every Small Business Should Avoid From tracking paid time off to managing wage and tax requirements, payroll can be one of the most complex administrative responsibilities within any organization. Even minor errors can lead to compliance concerns, employee frustration, and unnecessary costs. Many organizations operate with lean administrative teams, leaving payroll responsibilities to office managers, bookkeepers, business owners, or other employees who are balancing multiple
Varsity Zone HVAC is excited to officially open its doors in Urbandale and serve homeowners and businesses throughout Urbandale and the greater Des Moines area. Located at 3100 Justin Drive, Suite D, our locally operated team provides heating and air conditioning repair, system replacements and installations, preventative maintenance, indoor air quality solutions, HVAC diagnostics, and residential and light commercial HVAC services. For owner Ryan Thacher, the goal is bigger than simply opening another
A customer decides whether to visit your store before they ever leave the house. Research shows that 76% of consumers check online first before visiting a business in person — meaning a brick-and-mortar without a digital footprint is invisible to most potential customers before they ever reach your door. For Urbandale businesses competing across the Greater Des Moines metro, that first impression now happens on a screen, not a sidewalk.Most Customers Search Before They Shop Not occasionally — constantly.
Small business owners face a recurring reality: economic downturns happen. Revenue can slow, customers delay spending, and credit tightens. The businesses that survive aren’t always the biggest — they’re the most prepared. Recession resilience isn’t about panic. It’s about disciplined cash management, diversified income, operational flexibility, and strong customer relationships. The goal is simple: reduce fragility before the market tests you.Key Takeaways Protect cash flow before pursuing aggressive
The biggest mistake small and mid-sized companies make during growth? They assume training is a one-time event — not a living system. In reality, an effective training program is a strategic engine, not a box to check.In a Nutshell (Your 90-Second Summary) A well-crafted training system helps teams adapt faster, reduces turnover, and keeps everyone aligned as you scale. To do this well: identify real performance gaps, create structured learning paths, design hands-on experiences, and track outcomes —
Interstate Advanced Materials Des Moines delivers unmatched expertise to help Iowa businesses choose the right materials for their operational requirements. Beyond material distribution, the Des Moines team is a trusted partner, providing high-performance solutions that drive efficiency and cost savings. Interstate Advanced Materials Des Moines serves Iowa industries by providing in-depth knowledge and personalized support for sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, food processing, heavy
Interstate Advanced Materials, a leading distributor of plastics, composite materials, tools, and care products, is proud to serve Iowa businesses through its Des Moines location, providing reliable solutions for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Established in 1980 as Interstate Plastics, the company began its journey in Sacramento by helping local businesses grow. In 2013, it expanded to Des Moines in 2013 to better service the Midwest region. The company rebranded as
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires businesses to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN to promote financial transparency and deter financial crimes. As of today, November 27, 2024, Urbandale, Iowa, business owners have 35 calendar days (or 25 business days) left to file their BOI report with FinCEN—act quickly to avoid $500 per day fines! What You Need to Do:1. Determine if Your Business Must File. Most LLCs, corporations, and small businesses qualify as "reporting
The rapid evolution of digital technology is transforming the business landscape, making intellectual property protection critical to staying competitive. Safeguarding unique ideas, brand identity, and innovations from imitation and misuse has become more challenging with the rise of online platforms. Digital advancements create both opportunities and vulnerabilities, heightening the risk of IP infringement. Knowing how to navigate patents, trademarks, and copyrights effectively can help protect creative
Wagoner Roofing, Central Iowa’s Premiere Roofing Contractor, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, that has been completely revamped to provide a fresh, intuitive, and enjoyable experience for their customers. The new site showcases Wagoner Roofing’s expertise, commitment to quality work, and focus on customer satisfaction, and the website design was built by Idea Rocket Labs Website Design and Marketing in Des Moines, Iowa. Key Features of the New Website Include:Beautiful
Des Moines, IA. Grand View University is excited to offer members of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce (and spouses and children up to age 26) educational opportunities that will prepare them for the future with additional skills and knowledge they can put to work.Member Benefits include:15% tuition discount for undergraduate programs10% discount for select graduate programsOn-site information sessions for Chamber of Commerce membersAccess to Grand View’s Career Services departmentOnline, evening and