Northwest Iowa Dream Big Grow Here Pitch-Off

The finalists in the Northwest Iowa Dream Big Grow Here grant contest have been announced. The three top vote-getters along with two additional entrants chosen by a selection committee who will advance to the regional competition. These finalists will have the opportunity to present their idea to an audience and judges in a pitch-off event for a chance to win thousands in cash prizes. The five finalists are:

-          B Fierce Boutique from Hull (Nicole Rozeboom)

-          Carroll Street Treats from Rock Rapids (Meredith Vander Zee)

-          Creative Edge from Rock Rapids (Leann Kruger)

-          Small Batch from Lester (Breann White)

-          Twin Flames Massage & Wellness Centre from Akron (Tambrey & David Groves)

The economic development organizations in northwest Iowa will host the pitch-off event on Thursday, November 16th at the Prairie Winds Event Center (908 8th St. SE) in Orange City. A social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m. with drinks and appetizers. At 6:00 p.m. each finalist will have 6 minutes to present their business, followed by 5 minutes of Q & A from the panel of judges. The winners of the competition will be announced at 7:30 p.m. with first place receiving $4,000, second place receiving $2,000 and third place receiving $1,000 to grow their businesses.   

The Northwest Iowa regional contest is sponsored and organized by Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, Northwest Iowa Developers, and Siouxland Economic Development Corporation and includes the following counties: Cherokee, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux and Woodbury. Siouxland Economic Development Corporation is also a sponsor of the event. The event is free and open to the public. Additional information can be found by visiting http://www.iawestcoast.com/events-calendar.html.