NorthwestIowaNow.com – Voters have the power to launch a new local business with the Big Challenge.
The public voting period for The BIG Challenge is officially underway. This grant competition—put on by area economic development groups—is giving entrepreneurs in our region a shot at ten-thousand dollars in prize money to grow their business. And right now, the competition is fierce!
We’ve got strong local contenders, including one that might be nearest to you: Suds In The Bucket in Hartley. This simple, clean, and much-needed laundromat is aiming to use the grant money to promote its service throughout O’Brien County. There are also great ideas like 4:13 Protein wanting to put a new protein shake and Acai bowl truck on the road to communities like Rock Rapids and beyond. And down in Le Mars, there’s the unique Market at Shop near the Corner, which is a year-round mini-mall and vendor marketplace built on faith and family, looking to expand their space to welcome even more local businesses.
With voting open until October 10th, every click counts. The top three vote-getters will earn a spot in the final pitch-off event this November, where they’ll compete for the cash prizes and business coaching.
To cast your vote—and you can vote once every 24 hours—just head to the Iowa’s West Coast Initiative website, IAwestcoast.com, and click on “The BIG Challenge.” Your vote today can help fuel a local dream right here in Northwest Iowa.
