Five entrepreneurs from across northwest Iowa will present their ideas for new businesses on Thursday during the final stage of the BIG Challenge.
The challenge is organized by Iowa’s West Coast Initiative and Northwest Iowa Developers, and started in October, when local entrepreneurs in a seven-county area submitted ideas to start or expand a business. Over 5,000 votes were cast by the public on entries, with the top three vote-getters and two entries chosen by a selection committee advancing to Thursday’s “pitch-off”.
The finalists include Priscilla Kenowith’s “The Market at Shop Near the Corner”of Le Mars, as well as “4:13 Protein on Wheels” from Jessica Knobloch of Rock Rapids, “Next Level Health and Fitness” from Kayla Engleman of Rock Rapids, “Sewn 2 Dance” from Charmaine Regino of Sioux City, and “Route 10 Mini Golf” from Jennifer Schwade of Hawarden.
The final competition will take place this Thursday, November 20th, at the Wells Visitor Center in Le Mars. Starting at 6pm, contestants will have 6 minutes to present their business idea, followed by a 5 minute questioning period from a panel of judges. The winner of the competition will receive $5,000, second place will receive $3,000, and third place will receive $2,000.
More information on the competition is available here.
