Open 4 Business Competition

Open 4 Business Contest Now Open

Do you have a great business idea? Have you always wanted to own a business in downtown Jefferson? Is your current business planning to expand services or add a new product line?

Jefferson Matters: Main Street is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use $28,000 to launch or grow their business idea within the Jefferson’s Main Street district. The Open 4 Business contest, launched in 2015, is an opportunity for businesses located within a state-designated Main Street district, to compete for a chance to win up to $28,000 in grant funds to assist with a business development or expansion project that will benefit the local community. Businesses must complete an application and present a “business pitch” to a panel of judges outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25% cash match is required. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.

The Business Improvement Committee would like to know of local interest by May 11. If more than one business plans to compete, local business pitches will be presented in late May. Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant that will represent Jefferson at the sub-state competitions held in five locations across the state on June 13-16, 2016. Sub-state winners will receive $8,000 and advance to the state contest which will be held in Mason City, Iowa the evening of August 2, 2016. The state winner will win an additional $20,000.

For complete details about this program, please contact Peg Raney at the Main Street Office or director@jeffersonmatters.org or find info on our website at www.jeffersonmatters.org

The Main Street Iowa contact is Robin Bostrom, Business Specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center/Main Street Iowa at 515.725.3053 or robin.bostrom@iowa.gov.

Open 4 Business Entry Form 2016

Open 4 Business info sheet 2016

Frequently asked questions2016