Northwest Iowa — The economic development organizations in northwest Iowa are teaming up to offer $10,000 in prize money for an entrepreneurial contest.
It’s called the “BIG Challenge” grant competition and it encourages entrepreneurs to Build, Innovate, and Grow their businesses in northwest Iowa. “BIG” in “BIG Challenge” is an acronym for Build, Innovate, and Grow.
Those who are in charge of the contest say it gives entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to submit their dreams to start or expand a business, 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 September 5th until October 2nd, 2022, entrepreneurs in Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux, and Woodbury counties can visit www.iawestcoast.com and click on “The BIG Challenge” to submit their business or startup ideas.
Organizers tell us that the voting on the submitted ideas will take place from October 5th through 14th. During the voting period, the entrepreneur 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. They say each finalist will have access to the University of Northern Iowa’s Business Concierge Services, as well as receive personalized coaching from the Small Business Development Center and UNI’s Center for Business Growth and Innovation.
The regional contest will be held the evening of Thursday, November 17th in downtown Sioux City at Design West (1014 Design Pl, Sioux City, Iowa 51101). 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.
The BIG Challenge is sponsored and organized by Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, Northwest Iowa Developers, and Siouxland Economic Development Corporation, which includes the economic development organizations in Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux and Woodbury counties. To learn about the contest rules or to enter the contest, you can visit www.iawestcoast.com and click on “The BIG Challenge.”
