Made in Iowa: Season of Support

The holiday season is often a crucial time for small businesses, and shopping local can make a lasting impact on Iowa’s small business owners, entrepreneurs, and our communities. Join The Iowa Center for Made in Iowa: Season of Support sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA,) a special edition of our Made in Iowa series, highlighting the small businesses that make our communities vibrant and fun places to live, work, and visit.

Featuring a panel of Iowa's small business owners, this conversation explores what shopping local looks like ahead of the holiday season and how entrepreneurs prepare for one of the busiest times of year for their business. Attendees will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges small businesses face during the holidays and find meaningful ways to keep their dollars local ahead of this season.

Join us for an engaging afternoon of conversation and connection at Flora Cafe, proudly owned and operated by Chef Suman and Dr. Cynthia Hoque of HoQ restaurant, located in the Des Moines Botanical Gardens.

This panel discussion features:

• Yinka Cole, Edara Wellness Coffee & Tea
• Callé Friesen, Quiltberry Farm
• Moderated by Jennifer Thomas, Program Director of The Iowa Center Women's Business Center

Through the generosity and support of our sponsor, CLA, registration to Made in Iowa is free. Upon entering the Des Moines Botanical Gardens, Iowa Center staff will direct you and any guests to Flora Restaurant. Any attendees looking to explore the botanical gardens following the speaker panel will need to purchase Botanical Garden tickets for "Dome for the Holidays," which are available for purchase after 10/15/2026.