THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025
WIN $$ TO GROW OR START YOUR BUSINESS!
Are you an ambitious entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea or an established business looking to grow? Do you dream of turning your vision into reality but lack the funds to fuel your journey? Look no further! The Dubuque County Business Competition will bring together startups, existing businesses, funders, and mentors under one roof!
WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?
Each participating entrepreneur will receive $250, and an additional $20,000 in seed funding will be awarded.
GENEROUS SEED FUNDING
Gain insights from industry experts, refine your strategy, and fine-tune your pitch.
EXPERT GUIDANCE
Connect with potential partners, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
NETWORKING
Showcase your brand to a wider audience and gain exposure to new potential customers.
VISIBILITY
HOW IT WORKS
Submit a quick and easy application talking about your business idea or business growth plan. A panel of judges will score applications and finalists will be chosen to participate in the Competition.
Applications will be available on December 2.
1. FILL OUT AN APPLICATION
The finalists will work with an experienced business coach to create a 5-minute pitch to funders.
2. WORK WITH A COACH
The finalists will each have a booth to display their business information and concepts. Attendees will listen to your pitch and vote for their favorite concept. A panel of judges will also listen to and score pitches. The Businesses that garner the top five judges' scores will be selected to pitch at the live pitch event. The business that generates the most crowd votes also earns a spot in the live pitch event.
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Each business participating in the Funding Fair will receive $250 in seed funding.
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The businesses that get 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in voting will get an additional $500, $750, and $1,000
3. FUNDING FAIR: FEBRUARY 6 @ 5 P.M.
The 6 finalists will take the stage to give their 5-minute pitch to the crowd. Pitches will be scored by a panel of expert judges.
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1st place wins $10,000 in seed funding.
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2nd place wins $5,000 in seed funding.
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3rd place wins $2,750 in seed funding.
4. LIVE PITCH EVENT: FEBRUARY 6 @ 6:30 P.M.
DUBUQUE COUNTY BUSINESS COMPETITION
2024 WINNERS
All 18 of the business owners who participated in the 2024 Dubuque County Business Competition
LIVE PITCH EVENT
First place ($10,000): The Crow's Eye Studio
(check out a video to see how they are doing now>)
Second Place ($5,000): AMIDST Magazine
(check out a video to see how they are doing now>)
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Third Place ($2,500): Forged Authority
FUNDING FAIR, PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
First place ($1,000): SoundSafe.ai
Second Place ($750): Bustin' Axe Throwing Range
Third Place ($500): Little Blessings
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THE DUBUQUE COUNTY BUSINESS COMPETITION?
Reach out to hello@innovationlab.us for more information.