2012 “Dream Big Grow Here” Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2012

North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and Eight Surrounding County Economic Development Centers Announce 2012 "Dream Big Grow Here” Competition

North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center has partnered with the counties of Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago, Worth and Wright and the University of Northern Iowa to offer an online contest worth $15,000 to regional entrepreneurs and small business owners. The competition begins September 19, 2012.

Contestants can win cash and gain statewide publicity by competing in one of several online contests, followed by a statewide Pitch-Off event during the annual EntreFest! conference.

The Dream Big Grow Here grant contest is an opportunity for Iowans to fulfill their dreams of self-employment or expansion of their current firm. Entrants compete online at www.DreamBigGrowHere.com and encourage customers, friends, family, and community members to vote for them. The winner of each regional contest receives a $5,000 cash award and a chance to compete for $10,000 at the state level.

Ten regional contests are planned for 2012, including the NIACC Pappajohn Center which begins September 19.

To participate, entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the website to determine their eligibility, upload a video, PowerPoint slide show or photographs outlining their plans during the contestant entry phase, which is September 19 – October 17. The public may vote for them between October 18 and October 31. There will be a pitch-off on Monday, November 12 of the top five vote getters from 1:00– 4:00 p.m. in the NIACC Pappajohn Business Incubator.

Lead sponsor for Dream Big Grow Here 2012 is the Iowa Bankers Association. John Sorensen, president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association notes that, "Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the heart and soul of Iowa’s economy. They provide jobs for thousands of Iowans and economic growth for our local communities. The Dream Big Grow Here grants are a terrific way for Iowa banks to help recognize the hard work and commitment of Iowa’s entrepreneurs.”

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 Tim Putnam at putnatim@niacc.edu or 641-422-4192.

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