As stated in a news release from Dream City, the nonprofit invites the Iowa City community to attend its first pitch competition, where local entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas for cash prizes.
The competition is funded by multiple local sponsors, including the City of Iowa City, Southof6, Goodfellow Printing, and Julie Dancer Realtor.
Entrepreneurs will compete for a share of $1500 in total. The first-place winner will receive $750 for their business, second-place will receive $500, and third-place will receive a $250 cash prize.
This inaugural event will be held at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City while the Dream City hub undergoes a $3 million renovation. Once the facility reopens — slated for spring 2025 — it will feature a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen space, multi-use event and gathering spaces, micro-commercial space opportunities, as well as updated classroom and office spaces.
“Our upcoming Pitch Competition is an incredible opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their innovation, creativity, and passion,” said Dream City Executive Director Fred Newell, in the release. Events like this are about more than business growth. They’re about empowering individuals, building connections, and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that uplifts our entire community.”
As stated in the release, Dream City envisions itself as a “collaborative nexus,” where businesses and community initiatives that have traditionally been underestimated can tap into a comprehensive suite of resources, services, and programming.
