17th Annual National IES

• Rob Denson, President, Des Moines Area Community College
• Igor Cavlovic, Two Rivers Bank & Trust, IES Planning Team
• Clarissa Wing, District Manager, Wells Fargo
• Keynote: Paul D. Pate, Iowa Secretary of State
• Ying Sa, CEO & Managing Partner, Community CPA

Select from the following available workshops

1. Steps to Consider When Starting a Business – Presented by Mark Bundy, Mentor, SCORE Des Moines – From initial idea to actually going into business, there is nothing magical about the process. There are certain thoughts that need to be considered and analyzed and certain steps that need to follow to go from idea to reality. This session will present a high-level overview of that process. It is meant to be interactive, so join as you are comfortable and ask questions!
2. Scaling Your Small Business – Presented by Laura Kinnard, Curated Growth – Join us for a deep dive into what it truly means to scale a small business and how it differs from simply growing. This session will help you determine if your business has the potential to be scalable and how to assess if you’re on the right track. Explore key strategies for transforming a small operation into one that can scale successfully, with actionable insights you can implement right away. If you’re ready to move beyond growth and build a business that scales, this is the session for you!
3. The $96M Investment to Support Iowa’s Small Businesses – Presented by Tricia Rivas, Customer Relations Coordinator, America’s SBDC Iowa; Micah Walker, Investment Analyst, InnoVenture Iowa; Nikki Leeper, Compliance & Business Project Coordinator, IEDA; Dan Kim, Partner, Community CPA –  The State’s Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is an investment from the Department of Treasury to support small businesses, including startups, manufacturers, and businesses owned by veterans and individuals from diverse backgrounds. We will discuss Iowa’s four programs and the technical support that is available.
4. Green Card and Work Visa Options for Entrepreneurs – Presented by Xavier Francis, Founder and Managing Attorney, Francis Law – This presentation will explore key U.S. visa options for entrepreneurs, covering both immigrant and non-immigrant pathways. We’ll highlight the EB-1A for extraordinary ability, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver for exceptional talent, the O-1 visa for high-achieving individuals, the L-1 visa for international executives and managers, and more. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and strategic considerations to help entrepreneurs secure the right visa for their business ventures in the United States.
5. Unlocking Your Story: Embracing Life’s Journey to Stand Tall – Presented by Bopha Mom-Baccam, Agent, RE/MAX –  Every individual has a unique story, often shaped by trials, triumphs, and the lessons in between. In this workshop, Bopha Mom-Baccam will share her journey of self-discovery—growing up as the child of Cambodian immigrants, balancing life as a mom and entrepreneur, and overcoming personal struggles. This interactive session will help you explore your own life experiences, understand how they have shaped you, and turn those moments into a source of strength. This workshop will empower you to embrace your story and stand tall in your truth. Attendees will leave with a personalized action plan to: Identify pivotal life experiences that have shaped their journey. Extract lessons that can fuel personal and professional growth. Confidently craft their story as a tool for success.
6. Discover the Gold Within your Business – Presented by Bill Adamoski, Drake Business Clinic – Discover the potential of your business! Our workshop delves into the value your business provides to customers and how it addresses their pressing problems. By understanding your ideal customer, you’ll enhance your marketing efforts. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this workshop will guide you toward amplifying your business’s value.
7. Domina las Estrategias de Crecimiento Empresarial con 3 Herramientas Clave – Presented by Victor Oyervides, Outreach Development Counselor, America’s SBDC Iowa – Este taller está diseñado para introducir un enfoque simplificado pero completo para el uso de estas herramientas clave, el Lienzo de Modelo de Negocio, el Análisis FODA y la Planificación de Acción para garantizar que los participantes salgan con conocimientos y pasos prácticos para el crecimiento y el éxito de su negocio.

Select from the following available workshops

1. Avoid Legal Trouble: Learn Important Legal Tips For Business Owners – Presented by Kim Baer, Esq., Attorney, Baer Law Office – Lawsuits are expensive and time consuming. They also can be devastating to your business. If you own a business or are thinking of buying a business you need to attend this presentation. Attorney Kim Baer will cover several of the legal problems business owners frequently encounter and she will provide you with tips on how to handle these problems. Avoid finding yourself in an expensive dispute and a possible lawsuit by learning what to do now to protect your business. Kim Baer was the recipient of 2012 IES Immigrant Champion Award.
2. Novel Strategies to Differentiate Your Business and Connect to Clients –– Presented by Marlen Maddux, American Pacific Mortgage — Marlen Maddux describes how she built her name, differentiated from the competition, and connected with clients, even in a historically down market. By understanding how her clients consume information, carefully choosing only the most effective advertising, and building a complementary media business to drive her primary income business (Radio Iowa en Linea), Marlen shows how the right community connection strategy can make a business thrive.
3. Expansion Through Leveraging Bank Loans – Presented by Nerma Mlivic, US Bank – This session will guide you through the essentials of building a solid business structure, understanding financial statements, and developing a compelling loan application. Learn insider tips on what lenders look for and how to present your business as a strong candidate for financing. This will help you expand your business operations. Whether you’re a startup or looking to expand, this workshop will equip you with the tools and knowledge to navigate the loan application process with confidence. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now!
4. ITIN Loans, Islamic Banking & Building Opportunities for Minorities – Presented by Rory Bidinger, VP Community Development Officer, Stearns Bank – Starting and growing a business should not be further challenged by access to funding. At Stearns Bank, the success of entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences drives us to continue removing barriers to financial inclusion. Economic empowerment not only has a significant impact on business owners, but lasting effects on community prosperity. Learn more about innovative solutions through ITIN Banking, Islamic Banking and immigrant lending can bring more opportunities to start and grow your business.
5. Personal Branding & Marketing Yourself — Presented by Amner Martinez, AmplifiedDSM — As a business owner, a lot of the time your marketing hinges on the power of personal branding. You are the leader and the “face” of your company. Join today to learn how to market yourself effectively, understanding your strengths and selling your expertise. You are part of the unique proposition of your business and the value, so start with investing in yourself.
6. Tax Saving Strategies: Maximize Savings, Not Spending – Presented by Ying Sa, CEO & Managing Partner Community CPA – When business owners think about reducing taxes, the first thing that comes to mind is often that they need to purchase more things so they can deduct it. But that is not the only way; it is not about spending more money to save more tax. This session will explore new ways to save taxes, focusing on strategies to minimize your tax liability while maximizing your savings
7. Estrategias de Ahorro Fiscal 3D – Presented by Yaneth Rodriguez y Song Mo, Community CPA – Como propietario exitoso de una pequeña empresa, usted tiene muchas y diferentes prioridades. ¿Debería la planificación fiscal ser una de ellas? ¡SÍ! La planificación fiscal es un proceso estratégico que le ayudará a maximizar sus ahorros fiscales y le brindará una mejor comprensión de su situación financiera. Ya sea que usted sea nuevo en los negocios o haya estado haciendo negocios durante muchos años, los empresarios deben considerar las estrategias que generan ahorros fiscales. Si no tiene una buena idea de los próximos cambios o de cómo los impuestos comerciales podrían afectar sus impuestos personales, Community CPA lo ayudará a planificar estratégicamente para reducir las cuotas impositivas y sobrevivir decididamente durante las dificultades económicas.

This year, the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit is honored to present the IES Awards to the following:

• Boaz Nkingi (Immigrant Entrepreneur Leadership Award) 
• Perlla Deluca (Outstanding Business Award) 
• Robert J Denson (Karen L Evans Immigrant Champion Award) 
• Amalia Moreno-Damgaard (Immigrant Spirit Award)

Select from the following available workshops

1. Navigating City License and Permits Processes – Presented by Nick Tarpey & Breann Bye, City of Des Moines – This session will give an overview of the City of Des Moines’ new Small Business Support Center, as well as practical primers on common government terms/processes that are present in most municipalities, such as zoning, permits, business licenses, working with government agencies on due diligence, accessing technical/logistical/financial resources. The Center looks to provide guidance on sorting through City regulatory processes, as well as be a connector to other technical, logistical, and financial resources that are available through the City and its community partners.
2. How to Grow Your Business to Latino Communities – Presented by Tar Macias, Founder, Hola America News – Join us for a workshop designed to equip your business with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively reach and resonate with Latino communities. We’ll discuss the unique cultural, social, and economic factors that influence the purchasing behaviors and brand loyalties of Latino consumers, particularly in Iowa. If this is an unreached market for you, join in!
3. Learn How to Export – Basics and Resources – Albert Liu, Director, Iowa U.S. Commercial Service – Are you interested in starting an export business or expanding your current global markets? Come and meet Albert Liu, Director of U.S. Commercial Service of Iowa under U.S. Department of Commerce. Albert, with over 30 years of accomplished international sales, marketing and business development experience, will share the basics for export business, and in particular, present and connect you with the public and private resources available to assist and support your export business. He will focus on the programs and services provided by global network of U.S. Commercial Service. Do not miss this opportunity that may help increase your bottom line!
4. Hiring Foreign Workers – Presented by Dan Arnell Belarmino, Sr. Stakeholder Liaison, Internal Revenue Service – Join us for a workshop designed to help you navigate the complexities of hiring non-citizen workers in the U.S.! We’ll cover essential topics such as determining a worker’s tax status, understanding the Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), and ensuring work eligibility. You’ll be able to understand the distinctions between resident and nonresident aliens, learn about withholding and understand exceptions to general rules. We’ll also explore employment taxes, the nuances of hiring nonresident alien independent contractors, and how to accurately file employment tax returns. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your hiring practices are compliant and efficient.
5. Stress & Time Management for a Business Owner – Presented by Christy Jones, SCORE & Dawnelle Conley, Deputy District Director, SBA – Running a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of stress and time management challenges. Join us for an engaging workshop on “Stress & Time Management for a Business Owner,” designed to equip you with practical strategies to manage stress effectively and optimize your time for maximum productivity.
6. Utilizing Life Insurance & Annuities to Turn Silver to Gold – Presented by Sneha Singh, JS Impact LLC – Unlock the potential of life insurance and annuities to maximize your tax deductions! This session is tailored for small business entrepreneurs, and will provide you with the knowledge and tools to effectively leverage these financial instruments to optimize your tax strategy and enhance your business’s financial health, and adding security to your business and for your family.
7. Planos Empresariales: Guía de Estructuras de Negocios y Contratos Esenciales – Presented Jennifer Chavez, Legal Compass, PLLC & Jose Venales, Iowa Center for Economic Success – Únase a los consultores expertos Jennifer Chavez y Jose Venales para una exploración profunda de las estructuras empresariales y contratos críticos. Este seminario integral le guiará a través de los pros y contras de varias entidades comerciales, incluyendo LLCs, Corporaciones y Empresas Unipersonales. Aprenda a seleccionar la estructura óptima para su empresa y comprenda contratos esenciales como acuerdos operativos, contratos de sociedad y acuerdos de servicios. Obtenga valiosas perspectivas sobre cómo proteger sus intereses, gestionar la responsabilidad legal y establecer una base jurídica sólida para el crecimiento y éxito de su negocio.

Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit is going to show how bankers think out loud before giving you a loan for your business.

Three new immigrant business owners will compete and show the judges why they deserve $5,000 by presenting their personal story, business plan, and three year business projections.

To apply for the Pitch, go to Compete – Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit (iesusa.org)