The on-line public voting phase of the regional Iowa Innovation Gateway DREAM BIG, GROW HERE contest closed on Tuesday, October 15, at 11:59 p.m. Twenty different regional entrepreneurs submitted testimonies about their businesses for the contest.
Congratulations to:
1. Tyler Richard, Cryogen Designs
2. Sean Casey, Heartland Pediatric Feeding Disorders Services
3. Deanne Grabinski, On Call Restore
4. Brenda Systsma and Lisa Van Gilst, Sliver Elements by LB Designs
5. Chris and Kim Corbin & Luke and Sally Gran, TableTop Farm
These top five vote getters will now present to a panel of regional judges on October 23th to see who will take home the $5,000 regional grant. Judges will be using the following criteria to determine the final winner: the viability of the business, an effective plan for use of prize money, the ability to raise additional capital, a potential to generate wealth in the region, the business provides economic diversity to the region and there is a potential to create jobs in the region.
The IIG regional winner will also be eligible for the statewide pitch-off to be held at the MyEntre.net EntreFest March 7th in Cedar Rapids. The winner of the statewide pitch-off will receive another $10,000 to support their business.
Thanks to everyone who has helped to make the IIG Regional DREAM BIG GROW HERE contest such a success!
