West Des Moines Chamber Uplifts Minority Businesses at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit

WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 16, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces that 17 diverse vendors will participate in the Minority Business Expo sponsored by Elevate by Principal and Holmes Murphy Group Companies for the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit on April 18, 2024, at Smash Park from 6-8 p.m.

“The Minority Business Expo represents our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within our business community,” says Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the WDM Chamber. “We’re excited to provide a platform for minority business owners to thrive and connect."

This event allows attendees and minority business owners to network with entrepreneurs leading the way to generational wealth and success. This year’s Minority Business Expo participants include:

• Advance Guard Solutions

• Amplified DSM

• Bah Kunda Kitchen

• Big Brothers Big Sister of Central Iowa

• Black Capital Project

• Black Card Club

• Blue Ox Spirits

• Cafe San Miguel AM/PM

• Edara Wellness

• El Fogon & El Guacamole Mexican Restaurants

• Engineer Creative Thinking

• EO Iowa

• Hire DSM

• Iowa School of Construction

• Lutheran Services in Iowa

• McNeal Media

• Operation Hope

• Paula A. Bell Consulting, LLC

• Pearl's Door To Wellness

• RizanCare

• Smile Labs VIP

• Taste of the Junction

“We are excited to spotlight our 2024 Minority Business Expo participants this year,” says Anna Doud, Senior Director of Membership and Strategic Partnerships at the WDM Chamber. “As a participant, these business owners have the opportunity to engage with Athene Black & Brown Business Summit attendees to increase exposure, awareness, and engagement for their business.”
To learn more, visit www.wdmchamber.org/BBBSummit.

Sponsors and partners of the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit play a crucial role in making this event possible. A portion of sponsor proceeds benefits the Pitch Competition, Presented by Bank of America. Over the past three years, pitch competition winners have collectively received over $100,000 in prize money. For the 2024 event, sponsors, partners, and supporters (listed alphabetically) include African American Museum of IA, Alliant Energy, Amplified DSM, Anthony Arroyo Photography + Creative, Athene, Bank of America, Bankers Trust, Belin McCormick, Black Capital Project/Iowa CORE, BMO, Chase, City of West Des Moines, ClaimDOC, Cocoa Creative Agency, Creative Planning, Des Moines University, Drake Business Clinic, Dubuque Bank & Trust, Delta Dental, Eide Bailly, Elevate by Principal, F&G, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Forvis, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Holmes Murphy (ethOs and Broker Tech Ventures), Hy-Vee, IMT Insurance, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Small Business Development Center, Krause Group, Merchants Bonding, NCMIC, One Economy Financial Development Corp, Paychex HR, Sammons Financial Group, Shazam, Inc., Small Business Administration, Smash Park, Symetra, Turner Construction, UnityPoint Health, We Are Iowa, Wells Fargo, Whitfield & Eddy, and Women Lead Change.
 
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About the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit is an annual event dedicated to providing a platform for Black and Brown professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to share insights, inspire change, and foster connections. The Summit serves as a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and collaboration within the community.

About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 800 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org.