Description

The Small Business & Startup Summit is a one-day event designed to inspire and empower entrepreneurs and small business owners at any stage of their journey. Through expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and access to seasoned professionals, attendees will gain insights into key topics like marketing, finance, and innovation while connecting with like-minded peers and industry experts. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, this event offers actionable advice and meaningful connections to help you grow your business and strengthen the small business community.

MORNING KEYNOTE

Christina Moffatt,

Certified Business Advisor, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Growth Strategist

It was a battle to the end when Christina Moffatt appeared on The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars but not only was she battling it out on live television she was in her own personal battle behind the scenes.

Christina took all lessons learned in these battles and but it to use helping promote and grow entrepreneurs. In addition to owning her own small business, Crème Cupcake + Dessert, she served as the Regional Director for Mid Iowa SBDC, Director of Small Business Development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, she has helped launch a new division of a bank, focusing on women and minority businesses. She currently is focusing on customer growth strategy in a Fortune 500 business in the financial industry with a special focus on growth strategies.

Christina, along with her awesome Crème team, owned her own small business for twelve years prior to selling in 2022. They had the opportunity to serve their product to many celebrities and politicians when visiting Iowa and continued to survive and thrive during Covid. Christina created a sense of belonging with her team where all ideas were welcomed, and profit was shared. The team all came from extremely different backgrounds but were truly a family that we named the Crème Crew.

Christina is a graduate of DMACC, Iowa State University and University of Toledo Certified Business Advisor Program. She also devotes her time and talents to many local boards. Christina has won several awards for her business including DSM Top List for Best Bakery, Cityview’s Best Dessert, Sweet Equality Best Dessert, Runner up for the Iowa Mixology Competition and runner up on The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Christina has also been featured in Pastry & Baking North America in the Regional Showcase and Baker in Focus. Christina is also a Business Record’s Forty Under 40, 2012 Deb Dalziel Woman Entrepreneur Achievement Award Winner by the Iowa Small Business Development Center for the State of Iowa, 2013 Woman of the Year by the Metro Women’s Network, 2015 Women Business Owner of the Year by National Association of Women Business Owners Iowa Chapter, 2016 Finalist for Iowa Women Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership Award by Technology Association of Iowa, 2017, Outstanding Alumni of the Year by DMACC, 2018 Ivy Women in Business Inspiration Award by Iowa State University, 2018 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Distinguished Leaders Community Vision Inspiration Award, 2019 40 Women To Watch by the Iowa Restaurant Association, Winner of the Character Award for 2020 Inspiring Women of Iowa by the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa and a 2025 Women of Influence by The Business Record.

Photo and Video Release: Staff and contractors of the Grow Cedar Valley often take photographs and shoots video during events. The photos and videos may be used on social media, in brochures, publications, and on our website.