Northwest Iowa — The finalists have been selected in the “Dream Big Grow Here” business grant contest — and four out of the five are from our primary coverage area. The economic development organizations here in northwest Iowa are teaming up to offer the contest. Grant applicants had to be from the eight-county area of Cherokee, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux, and Woodbury counties.
Sheldon Economic Development Director Curt Strouth tells us what “Dream Big Grow Here” is all about.
The public voted for their favorite project online, and the top vote-getters will present their ideas to a panel, says Strouth.
Pitches will take place at the Prarie Winds Event Center in Orange City at 6 pm on November 16.
The five finalists:
Carroll Street Treats in Rock Rapids is a home-based ice cream sandwich company. The business is run by the VanderZee family, with kids ages 12, 10, 8, 6, and 2, who all take an active role in the business. Their application says they are in the market for building or buying a small food unit that is equipped with a commercial, up to code kitchen and serving space. They say that based on research, they are looking at needing to invest approximately $9,000 into an ideal commercial kitchen and storefront.
B. Fierce Boutique is a small town boutique that is looking to expand business in Hull. Nicole Rozeboom’s application says they plan to purchase a building to provide additional space for the growing boutique, expand children’s boutique offerings and add home & gift items. They also do screen printing and offer “pop up boutiques” in-store and in homes. They serve women ages 18-45, and offer clothing for every shape and size.
Creative Edge in Rock Rapids is a graphic design business. Leann Kruger’s application says she’s been in business for over three years and has been outsourcing the printing and completion of work and has been working in her basement. She says she’s looking to secure a building or a space and have a storefront so people can walk in and talk to her, buy pre-made items and order custom products.
Small Batch is a home bakery in Lester, owned and operated by Breann White. Small Batch would provide artful celebration cakes to its local community using ingredients that are locally sourced by what she calls “Lyon County’s finest.” She says they are just getting started. They’re in the process of registering their trade name, aquiring a logo and more. She says she’d use the grant to buy startup supplies, equipment, and insurance, getting things in line to undergo a kitchen inspection and become licensed.
Twin Flames Massage and Wellness Centre is the dream of Tambrey & David Groves in Akron. Their application says their dream is to purchase necessary supplies to open a wellness center in Akron, focusing on massage & bodywork, yoga, Zumba, Pilates and other forms of fitness… a place to relax and rejuvinate. They would use the funds to buy startup equipment and supplies.
First prize in the “Dream Big Grow Here” grant contest is $4,000, second place wins $2,000, and third place pays $1,000.
