Dream Big, Grow Here
By Jill Feilmeier on September 4, 2012 in Giving Back
Iowa has a long history of breeding young adults with big dreams. From Robert Noyce now nicknamed “the Mayor of Silicon Valley,” & co-founder of Intel, to Shawn Johnson, an Olympic gold medalist, Iowans are particularly supportive of the American dream. Delta Dental of Iowa is no different. We want to help our local dreamers reach their goals. It is with this spirit in mind that we are proud to co-sponsor the Dream Big, Grow Here business grant contest.
The Dream Big, Grow Here grant boasts five $5,000 regional grants and the chance to compete for a larger $10,000 statewide grant. Eligible entrants are small businesses or start-up businesses with less than 25 employees.
The contest applications are available starting September 10, 2012 with voting occurring from October 1, 2012-October 22, 2012. The application includes an entry form that asks for relevant business information such as owner information and expansion ideas. You can add photos, links and videos that are relevant to your business.
To help you get started on your application, here are a few entry tips.
-Create a short 30 second elevator pitch. Make it so good it will leave spectators wanting more.
-Identify your competitive advantage. What makes your product or service more valuable to your customers?
-Think about what the grant money will be used for so you are prepared when asked.
-Consider what the benefit to your community will be from your business.
The Dream Big, Grow Here is not your traditional grant contest. In the new age of technology and instant communication, a business owner must recognize the need for a social media presence. The grant contest will incorporate a great deal of social media integration.
Once your application is accepted, it will be your responsibility to share the website information with your businesses social media audience. The Dream Big, Grow Here website is where your business will compete with other businesses for the most votes. The top 5 businesses will move on to a “Pitch-Off” where you will get 10 minutes to prove why your business deserves to win. You can use traditional marketing as well as new technology like Facebook and Twitter to get your message to your supporters.
Delta Dental of Iowa is excited to see the innovate ideas entrants will have this year! Click here for more information, eligibility rules and applications.