Applications now open for REV small business pitch competition
July 21, 2025
Council Bluffs, Iowa, July 21, 2025 - TS Bank has partnered with Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation along with Google and several other local companies to present REV, a small business pitch competition where $10,500 will be distributed to one or more entrepreneurs. Applications are now open to the public and due September 10, 2025.
From the pool of applicants, a third-party committee will select up to five businesses to pitch on all aspects of their business in front of a judges panel and live audience on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center.
"We invite local businesses to pitch their current or future business ideas for a chance to receive real funding. At TS Bank, we’re committed to helping small businesses grow, while also saving them valuable time and resources along the way," said Dave Wise, President of Community Banking at TS Bank. "Additionally, we believe strong communities are built on the success of their local businesses, and REV is a meaningful step toward creating that kind of empowerment and momentum."
To apply, visit https://www.tsbank.com/rev and access the REV application. The application deadline is September 10, 2025.
TS Bank originally started REV in 2015 in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. Since 2020, TS Bank and Advance Southwest Iowa have teamed up to run the competition and signature event. As of today, $157,000 has been awarded through this program.
“Partnering with TS Bank and area businesses in southwest Iowa is something we truly value. The funds awarded through REV can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth—but just as impactful are the connections and community support that come from participating,” said Niki Ferguson, Entrepreneurial Development Manager at Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation.
At last year’s event, Terraform Tillage, an Iowa-based ag-tech startup, launched its revolutionary SmartProbe System, a patented technology designed to enhance the accuracy and ease of soil compaction mapping for ag producers and received $15,000. My Nurse Healthcare of Council Bluffs received $4,000 in funds and is dedicated to providing nurse concierge and personal care services, uniquely tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Major premier sponsors include TS Bank, Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation and Google. This year's drink sponsor is Sprout Marketing Solutions. Gold sponsors include the Iowa Western Community College and Big Prana Microgreens. Silver sponsors feature Castle and Associates Inc. and the Greater Omaha Chamber. Plus, the People's Choice Awards sponsor is Nebraska Enterprise Fund and Terraform Tillage is a bronze sponsor.
The 2025 live pitch event will be held on Thursday, November 6, at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and will be open to the public. Additional event details will be shared at a later date.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kelsey Stupfell at TS Bank by calling 712.487.0334 or Niki Ferguson at Advance Southwest Iowa at 402.720.8799.
About Advance Southwest Iowa: Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation is the economic development organization for Council Bluffs and all communities in Pottawattamie County. Advance is a one-stop shop for economic development with a focus on business attraction, retention, entrepreneurship and site development. The Advance staff are proud to work alongside our many community partners to enhance the image and increase the tax base to make Pottawattamie County a prosperous and desirable community to live and do business. For more information visit advancesouthwestiowa.com.
About TS Bank: TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity® in the communities it serves. Leading the resurgence of community banking, TS Bank reinvests 10 percent of their net income locally; hosting educational events and partners with local organizations and non-profits. TS Bank was chartered in 1923 and has $465 million in assets, along with the largest Iowa state-chartered C-Corp trust department west of Des Moines at nearly $215 million in assets named TS Prosperity Group. Locations include Treynor, Macedonia, Atlantic, Corning, Council Bluffs and Ames, Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com.