A contest for area entrepreneurs is being held in Washington, and the winner could win up to $28,000 to launch or grow their business idea. Main Street Washington is looking for interested parties who want to expand in the Washington Main Street district. The Open 4 Business contest began in 2015 and is held in state-designated Main Street districts to assist with business development or expansion projects to benefit the local community.

To submit an entry, businesses must complete an application and a short video outlining their idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate. Also, a 25% cash match is required.

You can get applications at the Main Street Washington office or online (click here), and they’re due by 5 p.m. April 12th. Main Street Washington will then decide by panel which applicants will be asked to pitch their ideas on April 20th, with one moving on to the regional competition. Sub-state winners receive $8,000 and advance to the state contest in Sioux City August 1st, with that winner receiving up to $20,000.