(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- The Race for the Space competition is launching to support new entrepreneurs in Cedar Rapids.
"It's a pitch competition that we are bringing back, and it's to get more businesses downtown, helping them get started on the right foot and helping support long term," said Caleb Knutson, Downtown Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.
The competition has been completely revamped from when it was previously held in 2022, featuring a mentorship program, new rubric, and more support for applicants.
"There's really no better way to start a business than with a good infrastructure already in place and a short list of people that you can rely on, as we all do. It's a springboard to a network, very advantageous for the winner and probably advantageous for the people who just get to pitch their ideas in general," said Cale Henderson, owner of Cliff's Dive Bar and Grill in downtown.
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, in partnership with the city, is organizing the competition to fill a commercial space in downtown. The winning business concept will be selected by a review board and will receive six months of free rent, resources, and promotional support.
Applications opened on May 8th and are due by June 30th.