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The Open 4 Business contest is an outstanding program. Not only because it offers grant opportunities but because it allows the business competing to take an in-depth look at their business practices, marketing and wants/needs. Le Mars is 100% dedicated to participating in this program. Great program...thanks Main Street and IEDA!
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Main Street Iowa offers the Open 4 Business program to encourage business development in designated Main Street Iowa districts around the state!
The applicant will be required to complete an online applica-tion and submit a five minute “video pitch”about their business idea. The video pitch is a simple video that tells about the idea and how they would invest the Open 4 Business grant funds to help expand and grow their business. Videos can be recorded using a cell phone and will be judged on content. Be creative and have fun!
The grant money is making such a huge difference for us. We really can’t thank you enough for providing this opportunity for Iowa businesses!
Each local Main Street district can submit one business to represent their program. Entries are due to Main Street Iowa by 4:00 p.m. May 18th, 2018.
Our district has absolutely benefited from our participa-tion in each year of the Open 4 Business Competition. Most business owners are consumed with day-to-day operational challenges and just don’t have time for long range and strategic planning. Open 4 Business has forced them to think hard about the future of their business and how to keep growing that business.
Interested applicants should contact your local Main Street program for local requirements, deadlines and additional contest information. Local programs may also provideadditional technical assistance or financial incentives.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Robin Bostrom, Business SpecialistMain Street IowaIowa Downtown Resource Center200 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines 50309515-348-6176 or [email protected]
INTERESTED?
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?
- Jim Miller, CMSMExecutive Director
Historic Valley Junction Foundation, West Des Moines
- Amanda RhomburgOne Mission Fundraising
Mount Vernon
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
WHAT IS OPEN 4 BUSINESS?
WHAT TYPES OF THINGS YOU CAN SPEND THE MONEY ON?
Yes No• Inventory• Equipment• Marketing• Computers• Software Upgrades
• Rent• Utilities• Payroll for employees• Remodeling• Vehicles
COULD YOUR BUSINESSBENEFIT FROM $8,000?
- Mary ReynoldsMain Street Manager
Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce
OPEN 4 BUSINESS
JANUARY 31 MAY 18 MAY 21 - JUNE 8 JUNE 27 AUGUST 28
Applications are released
Applications are due
First round of judging
Semi -Finalist judging
State Contest in Waterloo
2018 OPEN 4 BUSINESS TIME FRAME
The Perfect Blend Shortbread Company
Mount Vernon
Funds were used for a commercial mixer and a
convection oven
2015
Heavy Metal Renaisance/Building Grounds
Woodbine
Funds were used for a laser plasma cutter for metal
2015
One Mission Fundraising
Mount Vernon
Funds were used for computer, software and website
upgrades
2016
Brown’s Century Theater
Le Mars
Funds were used for lighting and equipment upgrades for
their live music theater
2017
Gravy Home Goods
Jewell
Funds were used for shop tools, equipment and exterior signage
2017
Olsen-Larsen Galleries
West Des Moines
Funds were used for new computers and software
2016
