Leighton State Bank President & CEO Steve Fopma and loan staff invited Carla Eysink and Christopher Watkins of Marion County Development to accept a $1,000 “Leader”-level sponsorship donation for the Red Rock StartUP! program.
The StartUP! pitch event on April 14, billed as “Shark Tank without the sharks,” allows applicants to showcase their ideas to receive a business startup grant. “The Red Rock StartUP! program is an opportunity to elevate entrepreneurism in the county as well as provide grants to startup businesses to enhance their operations,” stated Eysink, MCD Director. “Through partnerships with our sponsors, we can provide startup businesses selected for the live pitch event grants, which can be used to build a website or purchase equipment to foster their business growth and coaching to help them develop their business plan.” Community leaders, business leaders, and potential investors are invited to attend, and the event is open to the public. Finalists will have the option of working with a business coach to improve their pitch for round two.
“Small businesses have long been integral to the United States economy. Leighton State Bank, a fellow small business that got its start in 1911, is pleased to join in supporting the Red Rock StartUP! event. We are excited to provide a platform for prospective entrepreneurs to make their business PITCH and have the opportunity to START,” said LSB’s Fopma.
The St. Louis Fed reports that community banks have larger shares of small-business loans relative to their total assets than larger institutions.
Community banks have long supported small business growth. “Supporting local financial institutions is an investment in our community. By choosing to bank locally, you’re not just opening an account; you’re fostering economic growth, strengthening community ties, and ensuring your financial future is intertwined with the prosperity of the place you call home,” said Watkins, MCD Assistant Director.
For more information about the program, visit https://www.marioncountyiowa.com/business/startups/
If you would like to speak to one of our small business lenders about your own entrepreneurial ideas, meet our loan officers here: https://leightonbank.com/about/?dept=agcommercial-lending
Photo from left—Robert Claypool (LSB), Val Stewart (LSB), Shannon De Bruin (LSB), Dwaine Knouse (LSB), Christopher Watkins (MCD), Carla Eysink (MCD), Steve Fopma (LSB)