Open 4 Business Contest Now Open
Do you have a great business idea? Have you always wanted to own a business in downtown Newton? Is your current business planning to expand services or add a new product line? Do you have a piece of equipment you wish you could purchase for your business?
Newton Main Street is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use dollars to expand and grow their business idea within the Newton 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 help them grow their business. Businesses must complete an online application and submit a short video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25% cash match is required. Businesses must have been in operation for at least 1 year to apply. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program. Download the information brochure here.
A local pitch contest will be held on April 8th, at 5:30 PM, with a chance to win $1,000 and move on to the next level with a video submission. Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant that could represent Newton at the state competition to be held in Cedar Rapids on August 5, 2024.
For complete details about this program, please contact Erin Yeager at newtonmainstreet@gmail.com or Robin Bostrom, Business Specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center/Main Street Iowa at 515.348.6176 or robin.bostrom@iowaEDA.com.
