Open 4 Business competition now open to businesses in Lansing’s Main Street district

Do you have a great business idea? 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?

Main Street Lansing is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use $28,000 to expand and grow their business idea within the Lansing 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 or 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% 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.

Interested business owners’ first stop is the Main Street Lansing competition, with an application deadline of March 1. The local entry form can be requested via email from Executive Director Andy Kelleher at director@lansingmatters.com. Once a winner is selected, all state materials, including the video pitch, will be prepared in time for the state deadline March 31. The local winner will receive a $1,000 local grant and will go on to represent Lansing at the state competition held this coming summer. The local prize money is provided by Main Street Lansing and Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank.

For complete program details, contact Andy Kelleher at director@lansingmatters.com, or Robin Bostrom, Business Specialist, Iowa Downtown Resource Center/Main Street Iowa at 515-348-6176 or robin.bostrom@iowaEDA.com.