First National Bank and Trust Company - Small Business Pitch Competition
Since 1872, First National Bank and Trust Company has been helping communities grow and prosper. Our sole mission is to create community prosperity in all the communities we serve and at First National Bank and Trust Company 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.
2023
First National Bank and Trust Company is partnering with Dewitt County Development Council on Thursday, November 9, 2023, to host REV, a live pitch competition to hear first-hand from local startups and entrepreneurs with big ideas gaining traction. Entrepreneurs and business owners have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges to win up to $15,000 to grow their business.
For the first time ever, this year's REV competition will be open to the public and free to attend! Join us at the Clinton High School, 1200 IL-54, Clinton, IL 61727 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. to hear from our five finalists, Leading Men Fiber Arts, C&P Custom Printing, Dance Xtreme and Jumpstart Nutrition. For more information and to stay up to date, visit our Facebook page.
2022
First National Bank and Trust Company has partnered with DeWitt County Development Corporation (DCDC) host REV 2021. Entrepreneurs and business owners will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges to win up to $15,000 to grow their business. REV 2022 took place on November 17, 2022. To read more about the event and meet our 2022 winners, see our press release here.
Sweet Mae's, LLC
Sweet Mae's, a local ice cream shop, took home the top prize $4,450 for startup costs to expand and offer a quality shaved ice product line.
Loud Bros Pressure Washing
Loud Bros Pressure Washing, a professional power washing and garage floor coating, was awarded, $4,000 toward the cost of a new commercial grinder to expand their commercial flooring business.
Mariah's Mums & More
Mariah’s Mums, a local mum farm, received $2,625 in funds to be used for a sampling and concession trailer called Taste of the Farm.
Clinton Flower Corner
Clinton Flower Corner LLC, local speciality shop featuring flowers, plants and gifts, received $2,625 in funds to purchase a laptop to increase sales efficiency and assist with a capital project.
Jake's Candy Spot
Jake’s Candy Spot, a local candy shop, was awarded $1,300 to put toward the purchase of technology to more efficiently market and track business sales.
2021
First National Bank and Trust Company has partnered with DeWitt County Development Corporation (DCDC) host REV 2021. Entrepreneurs and business owners will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges to win up to $15,000 to grow their business. REV 2021 took place on November 4, 2021. To read more about the event and meet our 2021 winners, see our press release here.
Shear Paradise
Shear Paradise, a local salon and beauty services, took home the grand prize of $8,000 to improve the salon flooring and invest in more retail inventory items.
Gold Standard Barber Shop
Gold Standard Barber Shop, a local all service barbershop, was awarded $6,000 to purchase another chair and set up additional lobby area seating.
Wapella Farmer's and Merchant's Bank
Wapella Farmer’s and Merchants Bank Historic Building is a repurposed history building to bring vitality to the town of Wapella. The $1,000 in funds will be put toward ongoing renovations and helping launch their small business Saturday pop-up shops.
2020
REV 2020 took place on November 6, 2020, virtually! To read about our winners, click here.
Magill ResToration Centre was awarded $7,000 to begin restoring the centre, starting with opening a bakery, then continuing with their farm to table restaurant and ultimately becoming a center for hosting retreats to be developed using aspects of the restaurant, bakery and overnight rooms.
DeWitt Co. Museum Association
DeWitt Co. Museum Association was awarded $3,500 to help fund the publishing of high-quality booklets telling the history of DeWitt County and more.
STRAND
STRAND, a one-on-one hair studio, was awarded $3,000 to begin the investment into a spray tanning side of the business.
Clinton Chiropractic Center
Clinton Chiropractic Center was awarded $1,500 to assist in the purchase of tools for the practice to keep improving the business.
2019
REV 2019 took place on November 1, 2019, at First National Bank and Trust Company. To read about our winners, click here.
C & P Custom Printing
With their winnings, C&P Custom Printing will purchase a new dryer for their screen printing production. The new dryer will greatly increase the capacity of their t-shirt printing business, which includes being an exclusive provider of Apple & Pork Festival apparel.
K & Graphics
K&K Graphics was awarded $3,000 to use toward the purchase of a new lift to allow him to do sign projects higher in the air. This will allow him to accept jobs he has previously had to decline.
The Yoga Space
The Yoga Space plans to use the $2,000 to launch a new mobile app and purchase financial reporting software.
2018
REV 2018 took place on October 19, 2018, at First National Bank and Trust Company. To read about our winners, click here.
Hasler's Double D Ranch
With their winnings, they will begin excavation and drainage work to allow for a parking area for those attending their horse clinics.
The Vault
The Vault will use this money to purchase tables, chairs, etc. in order to be able to use the center as a rental facility, which will in turn bring in additional revenue, working toward the goal of becoming self-funded.
My Little World Children's Boutique and More
With the $2,000, Casie plans to customize a tent to bring to outdoor vendor events so that she has more space to display her merchandise and her brand is more visible.
2017
REV 2017 took place on October 13, 2017, at First National Bank and Trust Company. To read about our winners, click here.
The Buttered Bun
With the $5,000, The Buttered Bun will be purchasing a commercial stove.
Triple M Farms
Triple M Farms will put their $3,000 prize toward a down payment for a delivery truck.
Dial Farms
With the $2,000 prize money, Mason Dial, owner, will add additional livestock to his operation.