TS Bank to host small business pitch competition

Treynor, Iowa-based TS Bank is partnering with economic development organization Advance Southwest Iowa and several other local companies again this year to host a small business pitch competition in which $15,000 will be given to one or more entrepreneurs. .Applications for REV are due on Sept. 10. A third-party committee will select up to five businesses from the pool of applicants to pitch on all aspects of their business in front of a judges panel and live audience Nov. 7 at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center. ."The funds awarded through REV can act as a catalyst for significant growth and the impact of the pitch competition goes far beyond the financial support, as the connections made are just as significant," said Niki Ferguson, an entrepreneurial development manager with Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation..The $453 million TS Bank launched REV in 2015 to spur economic growth and encourage business owners. TS Bank and Advance Southwest Iowa have teamed up since 2020 to run the competition and host the event. To date, $138,000 has been awarded through the program. .Last year, Underwood, Iowa-based Gillett Hauling received $15,000 to rebrand truck graphics, upgrade air seats, acquire a third semi and hire a driver. Council Bluffs, Iowa-based food startup OCookieOs received $5,000 for product analysis to improve their food labeling, and to have an automatic band sealer, packaging trimmer and custom branding. ."Teaming up with Advance Southwest Iowa is a way to help create a positive ecosystem for startups and for more business dreams to become a reality," said TS Bank Market President Austin Diehm. "REV is one pathway to help start those first steps."