Promoting, building and illuminating Iowan Communities

Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8:00am to 4:00pm

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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.

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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 or majority immigrant-owned (51% or more).
     • Participants must be able to pitch in-person in Des Moines, Iowa in February 28th,2026.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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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Partners and Collaborations

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

One Voice is seeking support from partners from various organizations such as yours to be able to assist in showcasing available opportunities for business growth in the region.

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 seats at your table
• 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 seats at your table

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 seats at your table

Bronze Sponsor – $1,000

• Logo placement on event website and program
• Recognition as Community Sponsor during event announcements
• Complimentary exhibitor booth
• 4 complimentary seats at your table

Community Sponsor – $500

• Logo placement on event website and program
• Recognition as sponsor during event announcements
• Complimentary exhibitor booth
• 3 complimentary seats at your table

Individual Sponsor – $100

• 2 complimentary seats at the event

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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