First Hires, Done Right: A Hiring Playbook for West Des Moines Business Owners
The quality of your first team often determines whether your business survives year two. Yet the NFIB February 2026 Jobs Report found that 33% of small business owners had job openings they could not fill, well above the 24% historical average — with 46% of those trying to hire reporting few or no qualified applicants. For new businesses in West Des Moines, where the talent pool competes across a dense metro corridor, a disciplined hiring process isn't extra credit. It's the difference between building
West Des Moines Chamber Celebrates Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 29, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce reflects on the success of the fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. Attendees gained tools, insights and connections to help overcome barriers, access resources and spark collaboration. The event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, a pitch competition, entrepreneurial excursion and networking sessions. “The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit plays a vital role in tackling
WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. "We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering
