TS Bank REV - Small Business Pitch Competition
Since 1927, TS Bank has been helping communities grow and prosper. Our sole mission is to create community prosperity in all the communities we serve and at TS Bank that is part of everyone's responsibility.
REV - Ignite Your Business
TS Bank originally started REV in 2015 in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. During the first three competitions (2015-2017) over $75,000 was awarded to the winners. TS Bank brought the competition back in 2020 and 2021, partnering with Advance Southwest Iowa offering entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to win up to $10,000 and then $15,000 to "ignite their business."
Applications for REV 2022 will open in summer of next year.
The REV program presenting sponsor is:
REV is hosted by:
2021
REV 2021 took place on October 19, 2021 at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Individuals applied and five were accepted to pitch their business. They had ten minutes to pitch their business concepts to a panel of four judges, and then the judges had five minutes to ask questions. After all pitches were complete, the judges deliberated and decided how they would distribute the $15,000, which was announced later that evening in front of a live audience. This year's winners included Viva Fit Kitchen at $12,000 and The Occasional Collective at $3,000. Read our 2021 press release here.
Viva Fit Kitchen
Viva Fit Kitchen of Council Bluffs took the grand prize with $12,000 awarded. Founder and Lead Chef Alejandra Valdez recently started her business to help build a healthy community by making healthy food convenient and affordable. It is the only meal prep service of its kind in the region that provides nutritious, healthy and authentic Mexican meals.
The Occasional Collective
The Occasional Collective, a business planning to open a unique storefront in Treynor, Iowa, was awarded $3,000. The store will sell thoughtfully curated, sustainably focused and locally sources goods including unique, small batch, handcrafted items.
2020
Full Fledged Brewing Company
Full Fledged Brewing Company of Council Bluffs took the grand prize with $5,000 awarded. Owners Marshall and Dessie Redmond opened Full Fledged in 2019 as Council Bluffs first craft brewery and are truly focused on creating a community.
Tandem Works
Tandem Works of Council Bluffs, Iowa, plans to use their $2,500 in REV funds to build an on-demand, online course for business owners to help them identify their brand story and create more powerful brand messaging.
P@YD Omaha
P@YD Omaha, based out of Omaha, Neb., focuses on connecting local producers to their communities’ restaurants and homes. Their $1,250 in REV funds will be put toward front end web development and app development.
Farmhouse & Flowers
Farmhouse & Flowers, a floral and gift retail space in Atlantic, Iowa, plans to use their $1,250 in REV funds to continue renovations on their existing retail space and create a custom branded interior experience for both in-person and online shoppers.
2017
REV 2017 took place on December 1, 2017, at The Venue inside Harrah's Casino, Council Bluffs. Meet the five winners below!
Appsky Labs - $10,000
Flyover Design Co. - $7,000
HomeDitty - $5,000
Found - $2,500
Fyiio - $2,500
2016
REV 2016 took place on December 1, 2016, at Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs. Meet the five winners below!
Lienwaivers.io - $10,000
FliteBrite - $10,000
Terva - $5,000
Wicked Carmel Apples - $2,500
2015
Stickalicious Pops - $6,500
Mulholland Grocery, Inc. - $5,000
Zinnia - $5,000
BEX USA - $5,000
ByMoms4Pets - $2,500
Dream Forge - $1,000
