Treynor, Iowa-based TS Bank is partnering with economic development organization Advance Southwest Iowa and several other local companies to host a small business pitch competition where $15,000 will be distributed to entrepreneurs.
Applications for the program are due Sept. 10. From those applications, a third-party committee will select up to five businesses to pitch their business in front of a panel and live audience on Nov. 2 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
TS Bank started REV in 2015 to spur economic growth, according to the $365 million bank. More than $114,000 has been awarded through the program in the eight years since. Underwood, Iowa-based coffee shop and gathering place Nesting Grounds received $10,000 last year. Fermented Felon, a startup making handcrafted kombucha, received $4,000.
“We invite local businesses to pitch their current or future business idea for a chance to earn more capital,” said TS Banking Group President of Community Banking Dave Wise. “We want to help elevate startups and for more small business dreams to become a reality in the southwest Iowa region.”