Promoting, building and illuminating Iowan Communities

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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.

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Pitch Competition

1. 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 and majority immigrant-owned (51% or more).
     • Participants must be able to pitch in-person in Des Moines, Iowa in February 28th,2024.
2. Registration:
   • Participants must complete the official registration form by the specified deadline. 2/25/2026
   • Registration forms must include detailed information about the startup’s operations, ownership structure, financials, or a business plan detailing as such.
3. Pitch Presentation:
   • Each participant or team will be allocated 5 minutes to present their business 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.
4. 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.
5. Judges:
   • A panel of impartial judges will evaluate the pitches and select the winners.
   • Judges’ decisions are final and binding.
6. 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.

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Join Our Event Team: Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our event a success! Explore the roles below and find the perfect fit for your skills and interests.

1. Event Leadership

• Event Coordinator (1): Lead all planning, logistics, and execution.
• Assistant Coordinator (1): Support the coordinator, manage schedules, and handle communications.

2. Registration & Guest Services

• Registration Desk Volunteers (2): Welcome attendees, manage check-in, distribute materials, and answer questions.
• Info Desk Volunteers (2): Guide guests, provide directions, and assist with accessibility needs.

3. Program & Activities

• Workshop Facilitators (4): Lead sessions, manage materials, and support Q&A.
• Panel Moderator (1): Facilitate panel discussions and manage Q&A.
• Pitch Competition Manager (1): Coordinate pitch sessions, timing, and judging.

4. Technical & Logistics

• AV/Tech Support (2): Set up and monitor equipment, troubleshoot technical issues.
• Exhibition Hall Manager (1): Oversee booth setup and support exhibitors.

5. General Support

• General Volunteers (8): Help with setup, breakdown, food service, attendee support, and logistics.
• Security (1–2): Ensure safety and monitor entrances/exits.

6. Marketing & Communications

• Marketing Lead (1): Manage social media, press, and outreach.
• Photographer/Videographer (1): Document the event for future promotion.

Volunteer Schedule Overview

Time	Role	Number Needed	Main Duties
7:00–9:00am	Setup Crew	6	Venue setup, signage, registration
8:00–10:00am	Registration Staff	2	Check-in, distribute materials
9:00–4:00pm	Workshop Facilitators	4	Lead workshops, assist attendees
11:00–2:00pm	Food Service	4	Set up, serve, clean up lunch
3:00–4:00pm	Pitch Competition	2	Manage presentations, timing
4:00–5:00pm	Breakdown Crew	6	Clean up, pack materials

Committee Roles & Responsibilities

• Sponsor Engagement Lead: Build and maintain relationships with sponsors to secure event funding and support.
• Vendor Engagement Lead: Coordinate with vendors for services, supplies, and logistics.
• Volunteer Engagement Lead: Recruit, train, and manage volunteers for smooth event operations.
• Marketing Coordinator: Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote the event.
• Pitch Competition Engagement Lead: Organize and oversee the pitch competition, including participant coordination and judging.
• Emcee: Host the event, introduce speakers, and keep the program running on schedule.

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Invitation to Sponsor the Annual Business & Non-Profit Fair – Strengthening Ecosystems

We are delighted to invite you to join us as a distinguished sponsor of the Annual Business & Non-Profit Fair, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. This signature event unites businesses, non-profit organizations, and community leaders from across Iowa to celebrate innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen our local ecosystems. The One Voice Annual Business & Non-Profit Fair offers a unique, one-day platform for organizations to showcase their products, services, and community initiatives, all while contributing to the economic development of Iowa. By partnering with us, your organization will play a vital role in creating an engaging environment for networking, learning, and growth, while benefiting from enhanced visibility and meaningful engagement opportunities.

Sponsorship Tiers & Benefits

Presenting Sponsor – $15,000

• Premier logo placement on all event materials, website, and signage
• Opportunity to address attendees during the Opening Ceremony
• Recognition as Presenting Sponsor in press releases and social media
• Complimentary exhibitor booth in prime location
• Full-page ad in event program
• 8 complimentary event registrations
• Logo featured in event video and luncheon panel

Gold Sponsor – $7,500

• Logo placement on workshop signage and materials
• Recognition as Workshop Sponsor in event program and website
• Opportunity to introduce a workshop session
• Complimentary exhibitor booth
• Half-page ad in event program
• 6 complimentary event registrations

Silver Sponsor – $3,000

• Logo placement on Pitch Competition signage and materials
• Recognition as Pitch Competition Sponsor in event program and website
• Opportunity to present awards to winners
• An opportunity to bring at least 1 judge for the competition
• Quarter-page ad in event program
• 5 complimentary event registrations

Bronze Sponsor – $1,000

• Logo placement on event website and program
• Recognition as Community Sponsor during event announcements
• Complimentary exhibitor booth
• 4 complimentary event registrations

Community Sponsor – $500

• Logo placement on event website and program
• Recognition as sponsor during event announcements
• Complimentary exhibitor booth
• 3 complimentary event registration

Individual Sponsor – $100

• 2 complimentary event registration

We would be honored to partner with you in making this event a success. Please Support us via Give Butter. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a customized sponsorship package, feel free to contact us at 515-599-6632 or Onevoicedsm@gmail.com.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

The Planning committee

One Voice DSM

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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, event coordinator. “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

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