2026 Open 4 Business competition supports small business growth in Clarence, Elkader, Marion, Fort Dodge and Newton
OSCEOLA, Iowa (October 7, 2026) — Five small businesses in Main Street Iowa districts have received a combined $75,000 in state grants through the 2026 Open 4 Business competition, supporting expansion projects and new equipment investments in downtown communities across the state.
The finalists presented their growth plans during a live pitch event at Off The Rails Catering & Events in downtown Osceola. Each entrepreneur had five minutes to make their case to a panel of judges.
Open 4 Business is a Main Street Iowa program within the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Downtown Resource Center. The annual competition helps small businesses in Iowa’s 53 Main Street communities grow and expand.
“When a business grows, the impact reaches far beyond its front door,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “That’s what I love about Main Street. It gives business owners the resources and relationships to take that next step, creating jobs, bringing new energy to our downtowns and making our communities better places to call home.”
2026 Open 4 Business Grant Recipients
The five businesses receiving grants are:
- Demeter’s Market, Clarence: $25,000
- Styled Abode, Elkader: $15,000
- The Purple Wagon, Marion: $15,000
- Bloomers on Central, Fort Dodge: $10,000
- Fuego Hot Glass, Newton: $10,000
Demeter’s Market Wins $25,000 to Expand Bakery Production
Top honors went to Demeter’s Market, a Clarence bakery founded in 2021 by Torrey Wilhau. The business offers a rotating selection of cheesecakes, sourdough breads, caramel pecan rolls, cookies and other naturally leavened pastries.
Because the bakery lacks equipment for larger-scale production, Wilhau currently uses the kitchen at his mother’s café two doors down.
The $25,000 grant will help purchase a commercial convection oven, refrigeration, merchandising equipment and pastry cases, allowing Demeter’s Market to increase production and accept larger catering orders.
The investment will also support the bakery’s pursuit of opportunities to supply local restaurants and grocery stores. A future food truck could provide another avenue for expansion.
“We do see large demand beyond just our community,” Wilhau said. “There’s endless opportunity for our business.”
Competition Helps Iowa Entrepreneurs Take the Next Step
The 2026 competition attracted 19 applicants. Twelve businesses advanced to virtual interviews, after which judges selected five finalists for the live pitch event.
The final judging panel included:
- Jacki Boldt, who leads the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.
- Chris Deal, business owner, developer and Main Street Iowa Advisory Council member.
- Nichole Hansen, chief community vitality programs officer at IEDA.
- Thomas Kedley, mayor of Osceola.
- Austin Strawhacker, state director of America’s SBDC Iowa and Main Street Iowa Advisory Council member.
Now in its 12th year, Open 4 Business has awarded grants to more than 50 businesses. The program provides funding to help entrepreneurs pursue growth while strengthening the economic vitality of Iowa’s downtown districts.
The grants are administered through IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs.
Media Contact:
Kanan Kappelman
Iowa Economic Development Authority
515.348.6248
communications@iowaeda.com
