Business Ideas Encouraged for Regional Grant Competition

The economic development organizations in northwest Iowa are teaming up to offer $10,000 in prize money for The BIG Challenge grant competition. The BIG Challenge encourages entrepreneurs to Build, Innovate, and Grow their business in northwest Iowa. The contest 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.

Starting September 6 until October 3, 2021, 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.

Voting on the submitted ideas will take place October 6 through October 15. 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. 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 18. That evening, the finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas with first place receiving $5,000, second place receiving $2,500, third place receiving $1,500 and fourth and fifth place receiving $500 each 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 the following counties: Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux and Woodbury. To learn about the contest rules or to enter the contest, please visit www.iawestcoast.com and click on “The BIG Challenge.”