From December 1-January 31, we will accept online applications for the Dream Big Grow Here contest. Participants can submit an application to one of the following six industries: Ag Innovation, Retail/Restaurants, Manufacturing/BioScience, Information Technology, Pre-Revenue, and Hospitality/Professional Services. Applications consist of a few short answer questions and a required 1-3 minute video.

From February 8-February 12 voting will be open. During this time, you, your friends, and family members can vote for your business dream. We use a Facebook login requirement to reduce fraudulent voting. More information can be found in our private policy agreement.

Five finalists from each industry will advance to the Industry Pitch Offs. The entry with the most online votes in each industry will automatically advance. The remaining four finalists will be decided on based upon the quality of their applications through a judging team at UNI. An announcement will be made on who the industry finalists are, one week after voting has ended.

Industry finalists will have two months to prepare a 6 minute pitch about their business. In April, each finalist will attend a practice pitch session and get critiques and feedback from Venture Net Iowa.

Industry finalists will pitch off on April 14th, for a chance at winning a $5,000 grant for their business. This event will be open to the public.

First and Second place winners from each industry will be announced at EntreFEST during an Awards Ceremony. This event will be open to the public.