This annual Small Business Grant Contest is put on by WCEDC as part of our commitment to helping small businesses grow in Warren County. In 2026, grants totaling $26K will be awarded to the top three businesses in two categories - Existing Business and Start-Up Business.
CONTEST TIMELINE
Aug 5, 2026 - Applications open
Sept 1, 2026 - Deadline to Enter - Entries will be accepted through midnight
Sept 11, 2026 - Notification of Top Three Finalists in each grant category
Sept 29, 2026 - Finalist Presentation andJudging to determine 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in each category
EXISTING BUSINESS CRITERIA
Less than 10 full-time employees
Must have at least 2 full-time employees (can include the owner(s), 2 part-time employees can equal 1 full-time equivalent)
A physical commercial location is not required to apply, but businesses that do have an existing commercial location will be scored higher. You will need to explain how you plan to have a physical location within the next twelve months in order to capture points in this category
Business must be located in Warren County, IA
Grant funds may not be used for general on-going operating expenses, to pay off previous debt, or for reimbursement of expenses already incurred
START UP BUSINESS CRITERIA
Future business must be located in Warren County
Must plan to open a commercial location within two years
Must plan to have at least two full-time employees within three years (can include the owner(s))
Grant funds may not be used for general on-going operating expenses, to pay off previous debt, or for reimbursement of expenses already incurred
APPLICATION SCORING
1. Business Overview
2. Location
3. Products & Services
4. Market Potential (Customers)
5. Competition
6. Marketing & Sales
7. Operations & Management
8. Industry & Outlook
9. Financials
10. How Grant Funds Will Be Used
11. Overall Economic Impact Potential
HELPFUL RESOURCE - Click HERE for a copy of the application questions to use as you plan out your answers for the online application.
GRANT CONTEST & EVENT
Applications will be scored and three finalists in each category will be selected. Finalists will each have 10 minutes to present in front of a panel of judges at the grant contest event on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026. The winners in each category will be announced at the end of the event.
A total of $26,000 will be awarded as follows:
EXISTING BUSINESS GRANT AWARDS
1st Place - $7,000
2nd Place - $4,000
3rd Place - $3,000
START-UP BUSINESS GRANT AWARDS
1st Place - $6,000
2nd Place - $3,500
3rd Place - $2,500
PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS
Norwalk Chiropractic - Existing Business Winner 2014
Studio Fusco- Start-Up Business Winner 2014
The Outside Scoop- Existing Business Winner 2015
ProMark Glass- Start Up Business Winner 2015
Eco Blast LLC- Existing Business Winner 2017
SF Services- Start-Up Business Winner 2017
Funaro's - Existing Business Winner 2018
EmbarkInk - Start-Up Business Winner 2018
Agri-Tech Aviation- Existing Business Winner 2019
West Hill Brewing - Start-Up Business Winner 2019
Whip It Good - Start-Up Business Winner 2021
West Hill Brewing - Existing Business Winner 2021
2022 Start-Up Business Winners – Morning Glory Coffee (1st), CBD American Shaman (2nd), Sticks & Balls Indoor Golf & Bar (3rd). 2022 Existing Business Winners – Whip It Good (1st), Valentine Food Co. (2nd), Salem Connection (3rd).
2023 Start-Up 1st Place - Staging Sisters
2023 Start-Up 2nd Place - 2 Brothers Mexican Food
2023 Start-Up 3rd Place - Pipsy's Wee Care & Preschool
2023 Existing 1st Place - Copper & Fringe Beauty Co.
2023 Existing 2nd Place - Pete's Pizza
2023 Existing 3rd Place - Magnolia Connection
2024 Start-Up Business Winners - Back Alley Bikes (1st), Orwig Dental Co. (2nd), The Kiln Room (3rd)
2024 Existing Business Winners – Bob’s Custom Trophies (1st), The Groggy Dog (2nd), Bellflower Florist & Gifts (3rd)