Siouxland GO to Host 15th Annual Innovation Market to Ignite Local Entrepreneurship

Siouxland GO is excited to announce the return of its annual Innovation Market, an event designed to foster entrepreneurship and support innovative business ideas in the Siouxland region. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Sioux City Art Center (225 Nebraska St., Sioux City, IA). This year, it is in conjunction with a Siouxland Chamber's Rush Hour Connect.

This competition provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas, gain valuable exposure, and compete for the chance to secure funding to help turn their visions into reality. The Innovation Market follows a three-step format:

1. Idea Submission & Public Voting – Entrepreneurs submit their ideas, which are displayed anonymously at the event. Attendees vote for the top five ideas.
2. Business Plan Development – The five finalists submit a business plan for evaluation.
3. Final Pitch & Winner Selection – The finalists present their pitches on June 12, 2025, at The Warehouse, where the winners will be selected. This event is only open to Siouxland GO members and Innovation Market Sponsors.

Eligibility:

• Must be a for-profit business located within a 50-mile radius of Sioux City, IA
• The business or idea must have launched after May 15, 2024
• Participants must be 18 years or older

“Innovation Market is a springboard for new businesses in our region,” said Kristen Heimgartner, President of Siouxland GO. “We encourage entrepreneurs, community members, and business leaders to come together to support fresh ideas and help shape Siouxland’s future economy.”

Attendees will enjoy networking opportunities, engaging discussions, and the excitement of seeing the next big idea come to life. Siouxland GO invites individuals and businesses to participate, whether by submitting an idea, attending the event, or sponsoring this important initiative.

Additional info: Past winners include: Melting Cow, Marto Brewing Co., Jefferson Beer Supply, Crumb., Sizzle and Syrup, and many more businesses that have taken off around Siouxland. 

About Siouxland Growth Organization: Siouxland Growth Organization (SGO) was formed in 2002 (formerly Sioux City GO) to encourage young professionals to become active members of the Siouxland community. Our goal is to attract and retain young professionals in the area, by providing insight on what Siouxland has to offer and how they can get involved. For more information, visit: www.siouxlandgo.com. 

For more details or to submit a business idea, visit Siouxland GO's Innovation Market page.