The Bank of Tioga REV - Small Business Pitch Competition
Since 1951, The Bank of Tioga has been helping communities grow and prosper. Our sole mission is to create community prosperity in all the communities we serve and at The Bank of Tioga that is part of everyone's responsibility.
In 2017, we created a small business pitch competition in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. To date, the bank has awarded $75,000 to small businesses.
Applications for REV 2023 will open in the summer of 2023. Stay tuned!
2021
Again this year, The Bank of Tioga hosted the competition in partnership with Tioga Area Economic Development Corporation offering entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to win up to $15,000 to "Ignite Their Business." Applications were due Tuesday, October 5 and pitches were held on Friday, November 5, at the Tioga Theatre. To read more about the event and meet our 2021 winners, see our press release here.
Blue Raven Trading Company
Blue Raven Trading Company, a freeze dry food company, took home the grand prize of $7,200 to purchase more freeze dry machines and increase food product selection and inventory.
Back Shed Treasures LLC
Back Shed Treasures LLC, a local preschool, was awarded $4,200 to purchase new locker systems, tables and chairs.
Luxe Beauty Bar LLC
Luxe Beauty Bar LLC, a salon and beauty service business, was awarded $2,400 to purchase two permanent client tables for lash and makeup clients as they are currently borrowing tables now.
Haugland Enterprises Inc.
Haugland Enterprises Inc., an independent insurance, company was awarded $1,200 to purchase more technology to better meet the needs of their clients and be able to generate quotes on-site.
2020
REV 2020 took place on November 6, 2020, virtually! Meet our four winners below!
Queen Divas Heavenly Maids Cleaning Services
Queen Divas Heavenly Maids Cleaning Services was awarded $5,000 to help purchase equipment and to get a professional website. Carmel and Virgil’s business has been in high demand among the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joyful Living
Joyful Living was awarded $5,000 to assist the remodel of a building to become a long-term wellness center on the main level, the upper story apartments available for rent and the basement a space for yoga and other wellness classes.
Haugland Insurance Services
Haugland Insurance Services was awarded $3,000 to put a digital sign in the front of their building and additional marketing services. This will also help to advertise the other tenants in the building.
A to Z Grooming
A to Z Grooming was awarded $2,000 to defer some of the costs to expand the pet boarding side of their business.
2019
REV 2019 took place on November 7, 2019, at The Bank of Tioga. Meet the five winners below!
BLACK GOLD DANCE - $3,500
The prize money will be used to remodel the old post office in Tioga, turning it into a dance studio, which they hope to be moved into by January 2020.
HYGGE HILLS - $1,750
The awarded funds will be used to build a small tractor-train to pull kids and adults around at Hygge Hills, as well as at local events such as the Divide County Fair, Threshing Bee, Parades, Christmas Stroll.
CROSBY SELF-SERVE - $1,750
Plans for this business’ future include new booths for the restaurant, which will help improve the atmosphere in the restaurant.
Northern Prairie Market - $1,500
Morgan Jacobs will use these funds to enhance the business' marketing campaign, which includes a rebrand of the company and launching a website. The company is passionate about providing food that is healthy and raised humanely, and the creation of their website will allow them to tell the story of how food should be raised, allow them to take online orders, and create a place where they can interact with their customers.
In The Potter's Hand - $1,500
They will use their winnings to assist in their online marketing efforts, ensuring a good website setup to support their business.
2018
REV 2018 took place on November 16, 2018, at The Bank of Tioga. Meet the three winners below!
JUST OFF MAIN - $3,600
With the prize money they will make improvements to their private dining/meeting room. This will include the purchase and installation of a screen, projector and sound equipment to be used for community meetings, workshops and birthday parties.
BEVERLY'S CAFE - $3,400
They plan to purchase and install a new soft serve ice cream machine in their restaurant as well as repair and replace old equipment to help make their kitchen more functional.
HENNY'S - $3,000
Plans for this business’ future include an expansion in their food menu to offer healthy lunch options such as homemade soups, sandwiches, fruit and veggie cups. With their winnings, they intend to purchase a new sandwich prep table and glass front refrigerator for their new expanded menu.
2017
REV 2017 took place on November 17, 2017, at The Bank of Tioga. Meet the three winners below!
HIDDEN BEAUTY SALON & SPA - $3,500
With the $3,500, Hidden Beauty Salon & Spa will be looking to purchase a red light therapy bed.
FRANDSEN LANDSCAPING: FALL FEST ON THE FARM - $3,500
Frandsen Landscaping will put their $3,500 prize toward insulating their shop and pouring concrete.
STEMS & SALVAGE - $3,000
With the $3,000 prize money, Stems & Salvage would like to purchase supplies for more hands-on classes and widen the inventory available for purchase.