Czech Village-New Bohemia launching two programs to encourage business development

The Czech Village-New Bohemia Main Street will launch two programs in May to assist business and property owners in the district.

Open 4 Business competition is a local business contest. It will function as a prelude to the larger Open 4 Business competition, offered by Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Each Iowa Main Street district can select one business to present a sales pitch during a regional contest in June. The winner of the regional contest will receive $8,000 and advance to the state competition in August, where it will have a chance to win an additional $20,000.

CVNB Main Street will hold a similar, Shark-Tank-inspired competition to decide which local business to send to the regional level.

Jennifer Pruden, CVNB executive director, said the local contest will help applicants 'get some practice and feedback from local experts.”

The winner will receive pitch coaching from the Iowa Startup Accelerator, a 30-day Vault membership, an opportunity to pitch at 1 Million Cups and the district's nomination for the regional contest.

Applications for the local competition are due on May 1, and pitches will be held May 8 at the Geonetric Building.

Applications for the second annual CVNB Main Street Improvement Grant are due by May 8.

The grant is meant for local business and property owners who want to enhance their existing assets.

'We're looking for businesses that contribute to the draw of the district,” said Pruden. She said ideal applicants will be part of the main street message and programming.

The maximum award limit is $1,000 and requires a 1-to-1 matching of funds. The grant will be awarded on May 23.