GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS
Up to $12,000 for the top winner (varies by year); finalists receive $1,000. Awarded annually.
Runs annually; the last cycle closed March 1, 2026. Check wdmchamber.org for the next round.
FUNDING TYPE
Pitch Competition
CAN YOU GET THIS?
YOUR REAL ODDS
Roughly 10–12 finalists compete each year, with 3 winners and several finalists each taking home prizes.
The top prize has ranged from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the year, and finalists typically receive $1,000. Competition is real but the field is manageable.
WHAT IT TAKES
Check the funder site for the next application window and criteria — 30 minutes
Prepare and submit your pitch application — 3–5 hours
If selected as a finalist, pitch live at the Sheraton in West Des Moines (Summit is held in April) — 1–2 days
WORTH KNOWING
Past winners span a wide range of industries — food, fashion, fintech, energy — so no single sector dominates. Showing up to the in-person summit in West Des Moines is part of the competition, so budget for travel if you're not local.
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