Open 4 Business competition returns to Uptown Marion!

Uptown Marion announces the return of the Open 4 Business competition which was developed by Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, in partnership with Main Street communities across the state, to help provide local financial and technical support for business retention, expansion and recruitment.

The Open 4 Business competition is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to receive up to $29,000 in seed financing and support to start or grow their business in Uptown Marion. The 2016 local winner was Synergy Metalworks and the 2015 local winner, Giving Tree Theater, took home a total of $10,500 in prizes.

“This is an awesome opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs to get funding to start, expand or test out a business idea in the Uptown District. Previous winners have seen great outcomes to this program that we are excited to be able to offer again this year,” Brooke Prouty, director of Uptown Marion Main Street, stated in a press release..

Applications for Uptown Marion’s local pitch competition are due April 23 with the first round of pitches to take place May 5. Entrants at the local level will have the chance to win a $1,000 prize and a spot to compete in the Regional Open 4 Business Competition in June for a chance at an $8,000 prize. A statewide competition will be held in Sioux City in August where one winner will receive an additional $20,000.

For more information and to apply online click here.