REV applications now open for small business pitch competition

July 20, 2026

Council Bluffs, Iowa, July 20, 2026 - TS Bank has partnered with Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation and several other local companies to present REV, a small business pitch competition offering a growing prize pool of $11,500 to support local entrepreneurs. Applications are now open to the public and due September 10, 2026.

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 5, 2026, 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 funding. At TS Bank, we’re committed to helping small businesses grow and helping find resources to make more business dreams become a reality," said Dave Zimmerman, Market President at TS Bank. "Additionally, we believe strong communities are built on the success of their local businesses, and REV is a great step toward creating business and industry momentum."

To apply, visit https://www.tsbank.com/rev and access the REV application. The application deadline is September 10, 2026.

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, $177,000 has been awarded through this program.

"The funds awarded through REV can help accelerate growth, and just as importantly so do the relationships, support, and sense of community that come from participating, which often have a long-lasting impact and positive ripple effect on the local economy," said Conner Mowery, Entrepreneurial Development Manager at Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation.

At last year's event, Southern Hills Veterinary Services, based in Corning, Iowa received $10,000 to purchase a portable X-ray machine for their rural mixed-animal veterinary practice. Coffee Alley – Callejón del Café, an intercultural space that blends Mexican café culture with a family-centric experience was awarded $5,000 to grow its bakery options and retail space in the Ralston area, and Jarvis Quality Meats of Treynor also received $5,000 to support key equipment purchases, including a patty press machine. 

Major premier sponsors include TS Bank and Advance Southwest Iowa. Gold sponsors include The Acres and silver sponsors include Castle and Associates Inc., Rasmussen Mechanical, Deloitte and Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce. Bronze sponsors include Bloom Works Floral, Better Homes and Gardens - Andi Coziahr, Barley's and Jarvis Quality Meats. This year's media sponsor is Loess Hills Media & Podcasts and Nebraska Enterprise Fund is the People's Choice Award sponsor.

The 2026 live pitch event will be held on Thursday, November 5, at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and will be open to the public. Additional event details will be shared at a later date.

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 $472 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.