Open 4 Business Contest accepting applications

MT. PLEASANT — Do you have a great business idea? Have you always wanted to own a business in downtown Mt. Pleasant? Is your current business planning to expand services or add a new product line? Do you have a piece of equipment you wish you could purchase for your business?

Main street Mt. Pleasant is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use dollars to expand and grow their business idea within the Mt. Pleasant Main Street district. The Open 4 Business contest, launched in 2015, is an opportunity for businesses located within a state-designated Main Street district, to compete for a chance to win up to $28,000 in grant funds to assist with a business development or expansion project that will help them grow their business.

Businesses must complete an online application and submit a short video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25% cash match is required. Businesses must have been in operation for at least one year to apply. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.

All applications and videos must be turned into the Main Street Mount Pleasant office by Wednesday, April 24. The Economic Vitality Committee will review the applications and contact the applicant to schedule a time to meet. Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant that could represent Mt. Pleasant at the state competition to be held in Cedar Rapids on Aug. 5.

For complete details about this program, please contact Lisa Oetken at lisa@mpiowa.org or (319) 385-1629, or Robin Bostrom, Business Specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center/Main Street Iowa at (515) 348-6176 or robin.bostrom@iowaEDA.com