Growing Business
Networking Fund
The targeted industries
Networking Fund provides financial assistance to support networking
events for individuals in the advanced manufacturing, bioscience and information
technology fields. The goal of the program is to create an environment where idea
exchange can lead to new opportunities and deal flow within these important Iowa
sectors. Sponsors of networking events bring together any combination of entrepreneurs,
established companies, venture capitalists and members of the academic research
community to discuss new technologies, key innovations, resources and other needs
of the event attendees. Networking events must include a substantive topic for discussion
and a planned format with an agenda. Awards of up to $5,000 are available for a
single event and may be used for speaker fees, event marketing and collateral material,
facility rentals or other project expenses with no match required.
Networking Fund Success Story
Startup Weekend Des Moines was a community event that brought together highly motivated
developers, designers, business managers, marketers, startup enthusiasts and others
to pitch, create and launch new business ventures in just one weekend. The
first of its kind in Iowa, Startup Weekend Des Moines, was a huge success with thirty-six
participants. Four startups launched during the weekend, the most successful
of which has been SparkNight (SparkNight.com), an on-line date planning service. Toy
Bin Trader (ToyBinTrader.com), which allows parents and kids to trade or donate
their used toys, is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2010.
According to event organizer Shane Reiser, "Startup Weekend Des Moines would
not have been possible without the support of sponsors, the largest of which was
the Iowa Department of Economic Development via the Networking Fund. Startup
Weekend is just one example of the many wonderful events held each year in Des Moines
that provide opportunities and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs. I'm pleased
that IDED recognizes the importance of these events through programs such as the
Networking Fund." Two Startup Weekends are being planned in Des Moines
for 2010. Visit iowa.startupweekend.org
for more details.