TS Bank REV - Small Business Pitch Competition
Since 1923, TS Bank has been helping communities grow and prosper. Our sole mission is to create community prosperity in all the communities we serve and at TS Bank that is part of everyone's responsibility.
REV - Ignite Your Business
TS Bank originally started REV in 2015 in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. In 2020, TS Bank and Advance Southwest Iowa partnered together to offer entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to "ignite their business." The 2023 event crossed the $114,000 threshold total awarded through this program.
2024
Applications for REV 2024 will open this summer. Check back for more details!
2023
Advance Southwest Iowa and TS Bank, along with several additional supporting sponsors, are pleased to announce the winners of the REV pitch competition held Thursday, November 2 at Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center where small business owners pitched for the chance to win $20,000 to grow their business. This year's winners include Gillett Hauling at $15,000 and OCookieOs at $5,000. To read more about the 2023 winners and the REV Event, read our blog here.
Gillett Hauling, Inc.
Gillett Hauling, an Underwood, Iowa, based trucking company, is committed to delivering equipment safely and on time, alongside growing customer trust and community engagement. They plan to use the $15,000 funds for rebranding semi-truck graphics, upgrading air seats, purchasing of a third semi and hiring future driver(s).
OCookieOs
OCookieOs, is a newly established food start-up creating gluten free cookie-donuts packed with protein located in Council Bluffs. They plan to use the $5,000 for product analysis to improve their food labeling, an automatic band sealer and packaging trimmer as well as custom branding to increase delivery options.
2022
REV 2022 took place on November 1, 2022, at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Individuals applied and five were accepted to pitch their business. They had ten minutes to pitch their business concepts to a panel of four judges, and then the judges had five minutes to ask questions. After all pitches were complete, the judges deliberated and decided how they would distribute the $14,000, which was announced later that evening in front of a live audience. This year's winners included Nesting Grounds at $10,000 and Fermented Felon at $4,000. Read our 2022 press release here.
Nesting Grounds
Nesting Grounds plans to use the $10,000 in REV funds for a new drive-through and walk-up light up menu boards, microphone system, headsets and patio lighting, shades and outdoor speaker system. As they grow their business, additional funds will be used for under the counter refrigerators.
Fermented Felon
Fermented Felon, a business making handcrafted kombucha using natural ingredients with a cause helping felons through fellowship, fortitude and friendship. The funds will be used for two new 1,000-liter variable volume fermenters to help defray production costs and will help their business into new areas.
2021
Viva Fit Kitchen
Viva Fit Kitchen of Council Bluffs took the grand prize with $12,000 awarded. Founder and Lead Chef Alejandra Valdez recently started her business to help build a healthy community by making healthy food convenient and affordable. It is the only meal prep service of its kind in the region that provides nutritious, healthy and authentic Mexican meals.
The Occasional Collective
The Occasional Collective, a business planning to open a unique storefront in Treynor, Iowa, was awarded $3,000. The store will sell thoughtfully curated, sustainably focused and locally sources goods including unique, small batch, handcrafted items.
2020
Full Fledged Brewing Company
Full Fledged Brewing Company of Council Bluffs took the grand prize with $5,000 awarded. Owners Marshall and Dessie Redmond opened Full Fledged in 2019 as Council Bluffs first craft brewery and are truly focused on creating a community.
Tandem Works
Tandem Works of Council Bluffs, Iowa, plans to use their $2,500 in REV funds to build an on-demand, online course for business owners to help them identify their brand story and create more powerful brand messaging.
P@YD Omaha
P@YD Omaha, based out of Omaha, Neb., focuses on connecting local producers to their communities’ restaurants and homes. Their $1,250 in REV funds will be put toward front end web development and app development.
Farmhouse & Flowers
Farmhouse & Flowers, a floral and gift retail space in Atlantic, Iowa, plans to use their $1,250 in REV funds to continue renovations on their existing retail space and create a custom branded interior experience for both in-person and online shoppers.
2017
REV 2017 took place on December 1, 2017, at The Venue inside Harrah's Casino, Council Bluffs. Meet the five winners below!
Appsky Labs - $10,000
Flyover Design Co. - $7,000
HomeDitty - $5,000
Found - $2,500
Fyiio - $2,500
2016
REV 2016 took place on December 1, 2016, at Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs. Meet the five winners below!
Lienwaivers.io - $10,000
FliteBrite - $10,000
Terva - $5,000
Wicked Carmel Apples - $2,500
2015
Stickalicious Pops - $6,500
Mulholland Grocery, Inc. - $5,000
Zinnia - $5,000
BEX USA - $5,000
ByMoms4Pets - $2,500
Dream Forge - $1,000
