During the first half of 2011, Tama County businesses got an opportunity to compete for a $5,000 grant through the Dream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley competition. Three of our businesses successfully qualified and shared their dream for how they envision growing with access to additional capital. And though a business from another county won the money, our businesses did win 1) a marketing platform to promote themselves beyond the borders of the county, 2) special cooperative strategic distribution partnerships, and 3) an opportunity to explore new ways in which the internet can help them make meaningful connections.
Now we have another chance with the Dream Big Grow Here Iowa Innovation Gateway Region. The premise remains the same in that the public votes online for the winner(s), but there are a few key changes:
- Geographic scope: this time we were grouped with our regional workforce partners in the Iowa Innovation Gateway region. This includes: Jasper, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Poweshiek, and Story counties.
- Company size: businesses with up to 50 employees are eligible.
- Entry deadlines: submissions are due before Aug 29, 2011.
- Public voting: between Sep 6 – 15, 2011 to determine top 3 contenders.
- Public presentation: top 3 vote recipients do a 20 minute presentation Sep 20, 2011 to a panel of judges to determine the winner.
NEXT TAMA COUNTY ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRUST MEETING
Join us to get the inside scoop from past Dream Big, Grow Here qualifiers. Other key topics in focus will include developing a small business incubator for Tama County, as well as recognition for Tama County’s 5 year entrepreneurs.
Tue. Aug 9, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m.
Reinig Toledo Center
1007 Prospect Drive
Toledo, Iowa
Public meeting. No cost. Free water sponsored by Poweshiek Water Association.
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