Applicants sought for ‘Open 4 Business’ contest

     Do you have a great business idea? Have you always wanted to own a business in downtown Monticello? Is your current business planning to expand services or add a new product line? Do you have a piece of equipment you wish you could purchase for your business?

   Monticello, IA Main Street is looking for interested entrepreneurs who would use dollars to expand and grow their business idea within the Monticello Main Street district. The “Open 4 Business” contest, launched in 2015, is an opportunity for businesses located within a state-designated Main Street District, to compete for a chance to win up to $28,000 in grant funds to assist with a business development for expansion project that will help them grow their business. Businesses must complete an online application and submit a short video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25-percent cash match is required. Businesses must have been in operation for at least one year to apply. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.

   If you’d like to apply, reach out to the Main Street Office by Friday, April 19, to complete a pre-application. Each designated Main Street Community may submit one local business applicant that could represent Monticello at the state competition to be held in Cedar Rapids on Aug. 5.

   For complete details about this program, please contact Brian Wolken at 319-465-1970 or monticelloiowamainstreet@gmail.com.