Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Rethink Iowa™ is a community-led research and design fellowship that explores the relationship between philanthropy, economic health, and economic inclusion of historically disenfranchised communities throughout Iowa.

The North Central MSDC partners with our Corporate Members to support their supplier diversity initiatives and with our MBE firms to support their business growth and development.

On this podcast, entrepreneurs and business experts discuss practical solutions to the challenges small business owners like you face every day.

Diversify DSM is a coalition of small and medium-sized financial services companies that are committed to helping increase diverse and female representation in the DSM community.

Download a list of financial resources in West Des Moines and across the state here.

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the

The Targeted Small Business (TSB) program is designed to help women, individuals with minority status, service-connected disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities overcome some of the hurdles to start or grow a small business in Iowa.

IASourceLink is the go-to resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners who need help starting, scaling, or accelerating their business in Iowa.

The WDM Chamber DEI Committee is led by attorney, entrepreneur, and management consultant Angela Jackson. The committee meets once a month to discuss initiatives including the Black & Brown Business Summit.

Visit this page to view recordings from the 2021 Black & Brown Business Summit and visit the virtual vendor fair.

Entrepreneurs face a variety of obstacles when starting a new venture, from obtaining financing, hiring a team, marketing their product or service, keeping up with competitors, and so much more. For some Black entrepreneurs and business owners, these challenges can be even harder to overcome. Thank you to Bankers Trust for compiling this guide.

The 21-Day Equity Challenge is a powerful opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and our community.

View a list of Black and African owned businesses in West Des Moines.

View the 2019 Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide.

View this list of resources provided by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

A list of resources on being an ally and the BLM Movement provided by Teree Caldwell-Johnson.

A list of free movies, shorts and best practices provided by Angela Jackson.

Important conversations for C-Suite Executives regarding diversity in their organizations and other resources provided by Angela Jackson.

View this eye opening slideshow presented by Teree Caldwell-Johnson and Deidre DeJear during the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity event.

Here you can learn more about African Americans in Iowa.

View the Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide.

There are many resources you can tap into from the Greater Des Moines Partnership including dsm Magazine’s Inclusion Magazine.

Learn about the newly formed Iowa Coalition for Collective Change based in West Des Moines.

A list of equity, diversity and inclusion facilitators/consultants.

Next year, the WDMCS will begin systemic change to ensure equity for all students through the Deep Equity program.

Be part of the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission.