Promoting, building and illuminating Iowan Communities
Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8:00am to 4:00pm
About One Voice DSM
One Voice Des Moines (OV) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Iowa that focuses on networking, social impact, youth development, economic progress, and corporation. The vision of the organization is to unite communities in Iowa, embrace our cultures and heritage, and cultivate opportunities for Iowans today and tomorrow.
About the Business Fair
The One Voice Annual Business & Non-Profit Fair is a one-day event that brings together organizations from across Iowa to highlight their products, services, and community initiatives. Designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and newcomers alike. The fair offers a welcoming space to explore Iowa’s diverse business and nonprofit landscape.
Attendees can connect with professionals, discover new organizations, and gain insight into the impactful work happening across the state. By fostering collaboration between local businesses and nonprofits, the fair contributes to a stronger, more inclusive economic ecosystem in Iowa.
Every year, we strive to grow the reach of the One Voice Business Fair to connect with the local small businesses in Iowa. We have impacted over 100 small Iowa businesses in the past 3 installments of the fair. We introduced the first pitch competition in 2024 and we hope to make it a mainstay. The goal is still the same – to identify and invite businesses in various sectors in Iowa and give them an opportunity to network and create synergies that can foster growth. However, we want the 2026 edition of the business fair to be bigger and better. We want the fair to be an opportunity for small businesses to learn to grow their customer base, provide a marketplace to these businesses and also provide an opportunity to be rewarded for their bravery and creativity through the pitch competition.
The first 50 businesses to arrive before 9:00 AM can submit their business cards for entry into a $500 Grant raffle. The winner will be announced at 9:30 AM.
Vendor tables are filling up quickly! Secure your spot today with a small booking fee of just $150 and position your organization front and center. This is your chance to showcase what you do, raise awareness, and display or sell your products and services to an engaged audience.
As an exhibitor, you’ll also receive exclusive program time from 2–4 PM, dedicated specifically for connecting with guests during our Business Market. It’s a prime window to build relationships, spark interest, and grow your reach.
If you’re planning to join us, now is the moment to lock in your table before they’re gone. Let’s make sure your organization gets the visibility it deserves.
Step into the spotlight and pitch your vision! Organizations are invited to compete for a chance to win meaningful prizes designed to accelerate their growth. Judges will select the top participants or teams to receive awards that may include cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, investment offers, and other valuable resources to help elevate and expand their businesses.
Pitch Competition
- Eligibility:
- The competition is open to startups meeting the following criteria:
- The company has been in operation for less than 2 years.
- The company has generated less than $10,000 in sales or earned revenue over the last 12 months.
- The company is 51% minority-owned or majority immigrant-owned (51% or more).
- Participants must be able to pitch in-person in Des Moines, Iowa in February 28th,2026.
- The company has not previously won the One Voice DSM pitch competition.
- The competition is open to startups meeting the following criteria:
- Registration:
- Participants must complete the official registration form by the specified deadline of 2/25/2026
- Registration forms must include detailed information about the startup’s operations, ownership structure, financials, or a business plan detailing as such.
- Pitch Presentation:
- Each participant or team will be allocated 5 minutes to present their pitch in person in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Presentations must adhere to the time limit set by the organizers.
- Visual aids or prototypes are permitted and encouraged.
- The pitch should cover aspects such as the problem being solved, target market, unique value proposition, revenue model, and potential for growth.
- Judging Criteria:
- Originality and innovation of the business idea.
- Market potential and scalability.
- Clarity and effectiveness of the pitch presentation.
- Viability and feasibility of the business model.
- Overall impression and persuasiveness.
- Judges:
- A panel of impartial judges will evaluate the pitches and select the winners.
- Judges’ decisions are final and binding.
- Prizes:
- Prizes will be awarded to the top participants or teams, as determined by the judges.
- Prizes may include cash awards, mentorship opportunities, investment offers, or other valuable resources to support the growth of the winning businesses.
Event Description
Theme: Strengthening Ecosystems
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Drake University: Meredith Building ,2847 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Press Release
Annual Business & Non-Profit Fair to Strengthen Iowa’s Ecosystem on February 28, 2026
Des Moines, IA – Local businesses and non-profit organizations from across Iowa will come together for the Annual Business & Non-Profit Fair, held at Drake University: Meredith Building on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
This one-day event, themed “Strengthening Ecosystems,” offers a unique platform for organizations to showcase their products, services, and community initiatives. Attendees will enjoy a full program including interactive workshops, a panel luncheon, networking opportunities, and the highly anticipated Pitch Competition, which highlights innovative startups and minority-owned businesses.
“We’re excited to bring together Iowa’s diverse business and non-profit sectors for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration,” said Trudy Carlson, Vice President. “This fair is about building connections and empowering organizations to thrive.”
Registration is open to all. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit Onevoicedsm.org
Meet Our Speakers
Sponsors and Partners
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to these sponsors for their support and in helping propel the mission of One Voice DSM forward and for helping us continue to do impactful work in our local communities
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