Business Resources
The Historic Valley Junction Foundation offers many businesses resources to help make our neighborhood one of the best places in Greater Des Moines for small business. And it’s working – we were recently awarded Cityview’s “Best Shopping District” in the metro for the second year in a row.
Through our partnership-based approach, we continue to achieve remarkable success. Here’s some other information you might want to know:
Over $8 million |
138 |
1.1 million |
| Private property investments completed in 2022 |
District employers | Visits to the Valley Junction Main Street district in 2022 |
We’re more than just a pretty storefront.
Valley Junction is one of the metro’s best small business marketplaces, where local leaders organized over 35 years ago to adapt and succeed in changing times. Being here makes you part of the tradition and part of our future.
Expanding your business
Open 4 Business!
Returning for 2023, Open 4 Business is a “Shark Tank”-style competition to support the growth of existing businesses in Main Street Iowa districts. Interested business owners complete an application and submit a three-minute video pitch – see the links below or contact HVJF for more information. You could win up to $25,000! Open 4 Business is funded by Main Street Iowa through the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Local applications are due to the Historic Valley Junction Foundation on April 17. Virtual interviews will be held June 14 for the statewide semifinalists. The five selected finalists will present their pitches in person at the Iowa Downtown Conference in Sioux City on August 1.
- For the fillable local application, click HERE
- For the rules and regulations, click HERE
- For video hints and tips, click HERE
- For the state judges’ scoring criteria, click HERE
- For the budget worksheet, click HERE
Supporting strong small businesses
Merchant Meetings
New – The Historic Valley Junction Foundation has re-established the Business Improvement Committee to help build collaboration and communication among our merchants. This includes bimonthly merchant meetings, new business welcomes, and targeted support.
Businesses located in our district can contact us to become involved.
Market data
Updated – One of our great advantages is our location right in the center of Greater Des Moines. About 97,500 people live and work within ten minutes’ drive of Valley Junction, with a median household income of $62,370. Our large and diverse group of customers helps a large and diverse group of businesses succeed here.
Check out our 2022 economic profile or contact us for more detailed data.
City assistance
The City of West Des Moines offers a variety of competitive financial assistance programs to support business growth at several stages. An overview of these programs is on the city’s website.
Improving our neighborhood’s appearance
Signage
The City of West Des Moines has amended the Sign Ordinances, with many special provisions for Historic Valley Junction.
- For the full City Sign Ordinance, please click HERE
- Click HERE for basic signage guidelines
Use of the sidewalk
We can help you receive a city permit for uses of the public sidewalk like signage, planters, benches, or outdoor restaurant seating.
Click HERE for the sidewalk encroachment permit application.
Business Information Update Form
| Use this form to update your listing at valleyjunction.com, including contacts, hours, and other information useful to your customers. |