March 29, 2024

Dream Big Grow Here business grant competition

The South Central Iowa Area Partnership, Inc. has partnered once again with the University of Northern Iowa to offer an online contest worth $15,000 to regional entrepreneurs and small business owners beginning in September.

Dream Big Grow Here offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to upload their business start-up or growth ideas online at www.DreamBigGrowHere.com then encourage customers, friends, family and community members to vote for them.

The winner of each regional contest receives a $5,000 cash award and a chance to compete for $10,000 in a live, pitch‐off during the statewide EntreFest 2014.

The South Central Iowa Area Partnership, Inc. is hosting a regional competition because it believes in an atmosphere which fosters entrepreneurship. This event will help support existing small businesses and help to spark some new start‐ups.

To participate, entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the website to determine their eligibility, then upload a video, power point or photographs outlining their plans during the contestant entry phase Sept. 1-27 and encourage others to vote for them between Oct. 1‐15.

The winner will be announced Nov. 12 at a regional pitch‐off at Lakeside Casino in Osceola. The regional winner will pitch‐off during the statewide EntreFest 2014.

The lead sponsor of Dream Big Grow Here is the Iowa Bankers Association. Other key statewide sponsors are the University of Northern Iowa MyEntreNet, Iowa Farm Bureau Renew Rural Iowa, Iowa Economic Development Authority, VentureNet, Delta Dental of Iowa and the Technology Association of Iowa.

For more information on the Dream Big Grow Here competition and complete rules, go to www.DreamBig GrowHere.com or contact Wayne J. Pantini at wpantini@unioncountyiowa.com or 641-782-2003.