For the second consecutive year, ambitious entrepreneurs will have an avenue to help launch their business or help it grow. The Dubuque County Business Competition, organized by The Innovation Lab and powered by Dupaco Credit Union, is set to bring together startups, existing businesses, funders, and mentors under one roof, providing a unique opportunity for them to kickstart or scale their ventures.
Entrepreneurs will be selected from applications to participate in the competition taking place on February 6, 2025. Each participating entrepreneur will receive $250 in seed funding and an additional $20,000 in funding will be awarded to help fuel business growth. In addition, each participant will have the invaluable opportunity to gain insights from industry experts who will help them refine their strategies and fine-tune their pitches, giving their business ideas the best possible chance of success in the competition.
The competition will start with a Funding Fair on February 6 at 5 p.m. where the finalists will each have a booth to display their business information and concepts. Attendees will listen to pitches from each business and vote for their favorite concept. A panel of expert 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.
Six finalists will take the stage on February 6 at 6:30 p.m. to deliver their compelling 5-minute pitches to the crowd. Their pitches will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges with the top three businesses receiving seed funding of $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,750 for third place.
Businesses interested in participating in the competition should visit www.innovationlab.us/dbqbizcomp to fill out an application by January 6. A special thank you to the sponsors helping to support innovation and entrepreneurship including Dupaco Credit Union and Dubuque County. For more information about the entry criteria, the judging process, and how to sign up for a chance to win funding for your business, visit www.innovationlab.us/dbqbizcomp.
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