Do you have a great business idea? Have you always wanted to own a business in downtown Jefferson? 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?
Jefferson Matters: Main Street is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use $28,000 to launch or grow their business idea within the Jefferson’s 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 benefit the local community.
Businesses must complete an application and a short video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25 percent cash match is required. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.
Main Street’s economic vitality committee is hosting this competition and will choose the one business entry to submit at its April 6 meeting. Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant that will represent Jefferson at the sub-state competition held in Des Moines on June 15. Sub-state winners will receive $8,000 and advance to the state contest which will be held in Sioux City the evening of Aug. 1. The state winner could win up to $20,000.
For complete details about this program, please contact Peg Raney at Jefferson Matters: Main Street at director@jeffersonmatters.org or 515-386-3585 or Robin Bostrom, business specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center/Main Street Iowa at 515.725.3053 or robin.bostrom@iowaEDA.com. Jefferson Matters: Main Street also has information about this contest on their website under the Resource tab. www.jeffersonmatters.org
