A Business Pitch Contest-Enter Today!
The live Red Rock StartUP! pitch contest was held April 20, 2023. Finalists had the opportunity to showcase their ideas to win cash prizes. . Below are the rules and contest information
Pitch Contest FAQ
Pitch Contest Rules
The Red Rock YEA (Young Entrepreneur Awards) have been created to encourage entrepreneurship in Marion County, Iowa youth. There are two divisions: junior-grades 5-8 and high school-grades 9-12. Students must be a full-time student who lives in Marion County, Iowa. See the FAQ information below for additional details.
The public was invited to attend and connect with entrepreneur resources at an event held on April 20. The Red Rock StartUP! pitch contest and YEA awards are sponsored by DMACC Business Resources, PACE Alliance, Marion County Bank and Marion County Development. For more information on next year's contest, contact Marion County Development.
State, regional, and local agencies provide a variety of resources for startups and entrepreneurs working to grow their businesses. Get connected today to grow your dreams.
Rebate programs. Business development resources.
Provides product research, education and networks for manufacturing companies in Iowa. Located at ISU.
Assists businesses with accessing training funds in 260(e) and 260(f) programs. Also helps with connecting businesses to resources.
Ten county regional economic partnership business & workforce recruitment.
Regulatory assistance. Rural economic development grant and loan program.
Several incentive programs such as new jobs tax credit, high quality jobs, etc.
Workforce attraction marketing program.
Iowa has trade offices in several locations around the globe.
Regional offices, post job, labor market information, posters and more.
Primary resources and mentoring for business connection in Iowa. Site includes how to establish a business as well as templates to assist existing business.
Some chambers provide revolving loan funds and resources on incentives.
Marion County Development works countywide to enhance the area's economy. We work with our economic development regions and state agencies on broader economic development issues and opportunities. In addition, we work with our local communities to provide a link to regional iniatives.
Workshop held every other month at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pella Golf & Country Club. No membership fee. Iowa Workforce Development works with local leaders to identify topics of interest to local human resource providers.
Rural and Marion County roads.
The Mid Iowa Development Fund knows that our strength lies in collaboration with other counties. The seven-county area in central Iowa served by the RLF - Polk, Dallas, Jasper, Story, Boone, Marion, and Warren - were designated as disaster areas under the August 12, 1993, Presidential Declaration. This very diverse seven-county area in central Iowa was the most heavily flood-damaged region in the nation during the 1993 flood (more than $100 million in business and property losses.) Back in 1993, these counties realized that by working together we could overcome our challenges much more efficiently, and that is why it was ultimately decided to launch Mid Iowa Development Fund, Inc.
Rebate programs. Business development resources.
Some chambers provide revolving loan funds and resources on incentives.
Focus on rural entrepreneurs. Provides education, financial assistance and mentoring.
Provides free, confidential business advice and low-cost training workshops for businesses with less than 500 employees.
Department Contact:
Melissa Poffenbarger
214 East Main Street, Suite 2
Knoxville, Iowa 50138
641.828.2231, option 7
Department Contact:
Gerald Buydos
825 Broadway Street, Lower Level
Pella, Iowa 50219
641.628.0043
Department Contact:
Nathan Parch
305 South Third Street
Knoxville, Iowa 50138
641.828.0550, ext. 7