$5000 Contest!

The Dream Big Grow Here grant contest is an opportunity for Iowans to fulfill their dreams of self-employment or expansion of their current firm.  Entrants compete online for a chance to win a $5,000 regional grant, and then become eligible to compete for a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize. Check out the How It Works section for official contest rules.

Northeast Iowa Business Network 2013

This contest has ended

The Northeast Iowa Business Network (NIBN) is excited to host our third annual Dream Big Grow Here contest. The contest not only aides entrepreneurs with financial assistance to accomplish their start-up or expansion, but also partners them with the resources necessary to make their business a success. "The exposure and connections our businesses gain is tremendous, and our regional ED group is able to better assist all the participants in reaching their goals," stated Jason Passmore of Howard County Business & Tourism.

This Year's Winner!

Expand my gourmet food store by building a commercial kitchen for cooking classes & catering events

Dreamer: Katherine Ruff Winner

Business: By The Spoonful

Location: McGregor, IA

By The Spoonful is a new gourmet food market with a full service deli and wine cellar located in the heart of McGregor, Iowa. Solely run by proprietor Katherine Ruff, By The Spoonful offers popular gourmet food brands while also supporting many local and Iowa brands. Complete with a large refrigerated...

Be sure to cheer for Katherine at the upcoming Dream Big Grow Here statewide pitch off.


Contest Finalists