Dream Big Grow Here contest deadline extended

The Mt. Pleasant Area Development Commission along with Grow Greater Burlington and Iowa Wesleyan College has partnered with the University of Northern Iowa to offer an online contest worth $15,000 to regional entrepreneurs and small business owners. The contest began on Aug. 1 and the deadline has been extended to Sept. 10.

In its second year, the contest, called Dream Big Grow Here offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to upload their business startup or growth ideas online at www.DreamBigGrowHere.com then encourage customers, friends, family and community members to vote for them.

The winner of each regional contest receives a $5,000 cash award. Ten regional contests are being held.

To participate, entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the website to determine their eligibility, upload a video, power point or photographs outlining their plans during the contestant entry phase until Sept. 10. Others will be able to vote for entries between Sept. 11-20.

The top five finalists will be selected to compete in a pitch-off event held Sept. 25 at Iowa Wesleyan College. The winner will be announced that evening.

According to the press release, contestants can win cash and gain widespread statewide publicity by competing in one of multiple online contests, followed by a statewide Pitch-Off event during the annual EntreFest! Conference.

Dream Big Grow Here is sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa MyEntreNet, the Iowa Bankers Association, Renew Rural Iowa, ISU Community Vitality Center, Iowa Economic Development Authority, VentureNet, Delta Dental of Iowa and the Technology Association of Iowa.

For more information on the Dream Big Grow Here competition and for complete rules, go to www.DreamBigGrowHere.com or contact Angela Shipley at ashipley@mountpleasantiowa.org or 319-385-3101.