Launch Week aims to connect students, business owners and professionals in northwest Iowa

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – Iowa’s West Coast Initiative annual Launch Week will take place Friday, Nov. 15 through Thursday, Nov. 21.

Launch Week events will start with a Rural Business Blender at Uncommon Grounds in Sloan, Iowa at 9 a.m. Business owners from In The Stands Apparel and Uncommon Grounds will speak about their entrepreneurial story.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 12 p.m., the first workshop will be held titled Small Biz Boost: Effective Marketing Strategies.

This interactive workshop will take place at Design West (1014 Design Place in Sioux City). Guests from Moon Media will give a presentation on how to build a strong brand, reach your target audience and boost sales for small businesses.

Local entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals will meet for Biz Brew on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Biz Brew will happen at Wise I Brewing Company in Le Mars, Iowa. This event will bring people together who are interested in fostering a startup community and creating a positive environment for businesses to grow. Anyone can stop by and enjoy beverage specials, appetizers and conversation.

Small Biz Mastery: Effective Organization Management will be held during the noon lunch hour on Thursday, Nov. 21 at Design West in Sioux City. Attorneys from Crary Huff Attorneys at Law will guide new entrepreneurs through formation of an entity, basic requirements of the law and new business compliance.

Launch Week will conclude with The BIG Challenge pitch competition. In September, entrepreneurs from northwest Iowa submitted an idea to start or expand a business. From the entries, four finalists have been selected to present their idea to an audience and judges in a pitch event for a chance to win a cash prize.

The first-place winner will receive $5,000, second place will receive $3,000 and third place will receive $2,000. The competition will be held at the Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor (115 Central Ave NW) in Le Mars, Iowa. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a social hour with light hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

The pitch competition will start at 6 p.m.

Additional details for each event can be found at www.iawestcoast.com/launch-week-2024.

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