We have a Winner of the $5,000 IIG DREAM BIG GROW HERE Entrepreneurial Contest!
Iowa Innovation Gateway collaborated with MyEntre.net to hold its second Dream Big Grow Here contest. The Dream Big, Grow Here business grant contest is an opportunity for Iowans to win one regional $5,000 small business grant and then go on to pitch their business for a shot at a $10,000 grand prize. Contestants entered their businesses online and encouraged others to vote for their dream.
Iowa Innovation Gateway had 20 entrepreneurs from the IIG region enter a dream. The top 5 vote getters participated in a pitch off contest on October 23. Presentations were judged on the following criteria: 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 winner of the Pitch off was Cyrogen Design located in Marshalltown. Cryogen Design develops and builds low-cost 3D computers and 3-D printers for schools, businesses and researches. The company was founded in June of 2011 by Tyler Richard and Joshua Weuve who each invested $20 in to the company to produce $250 in sales within the first year.
Cryogen Design is working to bring their 3-D computers and printers to schools that have adopted the Project Lead the Way program. Iowa Innovation Gateway is a supporter of Project Lead the Way and is proud to partner with Cryogen Design to help them reach their goal of helping students excel in science, math, engineering and technology.
Other Contestants in the Pitch Off Included:
- Heartland Pediatric Feeding Disorders
- On Call Restore
- Silver Elements By LB Designs
- Table Top Farm
