Applications now open for small business pitch competition
July 9, 2024
Council Bluffs, Iowa, July 9, 2024 - TS Bank has partnered with Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation and several other local companies to host REV, a small business pitch competition where $15,000 will be distributed to one or more entrepreneurs. Applications are due September 10, 2024.
From the pool of applicants, a third-party committee will select up to five businesses to pitch on all aspects of their business in front of a judges panel and live audience on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center.
“We invite local businesses to pitch their current or future business idea for a chance to win actual money. We enjoy partnering with TS Bank to host REV in southwest Iowa. The funds awarded through REV can act as a catalyst for significant growth and the impact of the pitch competition goes far beyond the financial support, as the connections made are just as significant,” said Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation Entrepreneurial Development Manager, Niki Ferguson.
To apply, visit https://www.tsbank.com/rev and download the REV application. The application deadline is September 10, 2024.
TS Bank originally started REV in 2015 in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. Since 2020, TS Bank and Advance Southwest Iowa have teamed up to run the competition and host the signature event. As of today, $138,000 has been awarded through this program.
At last year’s event, Gillett Hauling an Underwood, Iowa, based trucking company, received $15,000 in funds to rebrand semi-truck graphics, upgrade air seats, purchase a third semi and hire a driver. OCookieOs, a new food start-up in Council Bluffs who creates gluten free cookie-donuts packed with protein received $5,000 in funds for product analysis to improve their food labeling, an automatic band sealer, packaging trimmer as well as custom branding to increase their delivery options.
Major premier sponsors include TS Bank, Advance Southwest Iowa, Tandem Works and The Acres. This year's food sponsor is Castle and Associates Inc. while InnoVenture Iowa is the drink sponsor. Gold sponsors include the Greater Omaha Chamber, Google, Iowa Western Community College, Full Fledged Brewery Company and Nebraska Enterprise Fund who also supported the People's Choice Award. Silver sponsors feature the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, Vistage and Nesting Grounds. Additionally, the Kitchen Council is a bronze sponsor, and Bluffs Country 106.5 is this year's media sponsor.
"Together, teaming up with Advance Southwest Iowa is a way to help create a positive ecosystem for startups and for more business dreams to become a reality. REV is one pathway to help start those first steps,” said TS Bank Market President, Austin Diehm.
This year’s live pitch event will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and will be open to the public. Additional event details will be shared at a later date.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kelsey Stupfell at TS Bank by calling 712.487.0334 or Niki Ferguson at Advance Southwest Iowa at 402.720.8799.
About Advance Southwest Iowa: Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation is the economic development organization for Council Bluffs and all communities in Pottawattamie County. Advance is a one-stop shop for economic development with a focus on business attraction, retention, entrepreneurship and site development. The Advance staff are proud to work alongside our many community partners to enhance the image and increase the tax base to make Pottawattamie County a prosperous and desirable community to live and do business. For more information visit advancesouthwestiowa.com.
About TS Bank: TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity® in the communities it serves. Leading the resurgence of community banking, TS Bank reinvests 10 percent of their net income locally; hosting educational events and partners with local organizations and non-profits. TS Bank was chartered in 1923 and has $453 million in assets, along with the largest Iowa state-chartered C-Corp trust department west of Des Moines at nearly $215 million in assets named TS Prosperity Group. Locations include Treynor, Macedonia, Atlantic, Corning, Council Bluffs and Ames, Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com.