Applications open for annual REV business pitch competition
July 1, 2021
Clinton, IL, July 1, 2021 - First National Bank and Trust Company has partnered with DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC) to host REV, a small business pitch competition on Thursday, November 4, 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.
Applicants will be judged on their pitch, marketing, personal investment level and exit strategy.
First National Bank and Trust Company and DCDC will accept up to five businesses into the competition. Entrants will have 10 minutes to pitch their business concepts to a panel of four judges, followed by questions from the judges, made up of bank officials and other area business and development stakeholders.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, November 4 at First National Bank and Trust Company. Additional details will be shared at a later date.
First National Bank and Trust Company started REV five years ago in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. To date, the bank awarded $45,000 to winners.
“We invite businesses to pitch their current or future business concept for a chance to win money. Our sole mission is to create community prosperity in all the communities we serve,” said First National Bank and Trust Company President, Joshua Shofner.
Last year’s winners include: $7,000 to Magill ResToration Centre to restore the centre, starting with opening a bakery and farm to table restaurant to follow; $3,500 to DeWitt Co. Museum Association to help fund the publishing of high-quality booklets telling the history of DeWitt County; $3,000 to STRAND, a one-on-one hair studio to begin the investment into a spray tanning side of the business; and $1,500 to Clinton Chiropractic Center to assist in the purchase of tools for the practice to keep improving the business.
The application deadline is October 5, 2021. To apply, visit firstnbtc.com/rev and download the application. If you have any questions, please reach out to Josh Shofner at First National Bank and Trust Company at 217-935-2148.
About First National Bank & Trust Company: First National Bank & Trust Company is a community bank located in Clinton, Illinois. Dedicated to community prosperity, the bank was chartered in 1872 under the name DeWitt County National Bank. The name was changed First National Bank and Trust Company in 1974, and was acquired by TS Banking Group in 2017. With $200 million in assets, First National Bank is dedicated to community reinvestment and gives 10% of its net income back to the community. For more information visit firstnbtc.com.