The economic development organizations in northwest Iowaare teamming up to offer $10,000 in prize money for The BIG Challenge grant competition.
The BIG Challenge encourages entreprenuers to Build, Innovate and Grow their business in northwest Iowa. The contest gives entreprenuers and small business owners the opportunity to submit their dreams to start, or expand a business and then encourage friends, family and customers to vote for them online. The finalists will present their idea to an audience and judges in a pitch-off event for a chance to win thousands in cash prizes.
From now until September 28th, entreprenuers in Lyon, Monoa, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymoth, Sioux and Woodbury Counties can visit www.iawestcoast.com and click on “The BIG Challenge” to submit their business, or startup ideas.
Voting on the submitted ideas will take place on October 1st through October 10th. During the voting period, the entreprenuer will recruit others to vote for their entry online. The top three vote-getters will advance to a regional pitch-off competition, along with two additional entrants chosen by a selection committee. Each finalist will receive personalized coaching from the University of Northern Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.
The regional contest will be helo the evening of Thursday, November 20th, in Le Mars at the Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor (115 Central Ave. NW). That evening the finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas with first place receiving $5,000, second place receiving $3,000 and third place receiving $2,000 to grow their business.
