Winners at a previous Pitch &?Build competition hold their awards presented by Tama County Economic Development Director Heath Kellogg. They include (l-r) Mary Huffman, Dysart, Barb Smith, Gladbrook, Audrey Smith, Tama, Kellogg, and Brian Gumm, Toledo. Smith, who pitched her “southern barbecue skills” is on the verge of opening her new BBQ restaurant in downtown Tama. News-Herald file/John Speer

The next Tama County Economic Development Pitch and Build Competition will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Reinig Center in Toledo. It features extraordinary Tama County entrepreneurs who will pitch their business idea to a group of business leaders and industry professionals.

In return, they have a unique opportunity to receive constructive feedback on areas such as fundraising, value proposition, business plan, management team, sales/marketing/support and building strategy.

Business ideas shared in previous Pitch & Builds include a fishing gaff business, a historic restoration business, a computer repair business, pet grooming salon.

And, a group of antique craft & picker shops, a limousine service, a coffee roasting business, a general store, a gourmet kitchen store, an authentic barbecue enterprise, antique rifle reproductions, bed and breakfast, nature classroom expansion, an antique shop, a health food restaurant, a specialty shop, a baseball training facility, a rehabilitation organization, motocross course, an antique/collectible shop, a business coaching organization, a gasification system, metal novelty items, miniature golf course, ballistic armor plates, online marketing service, a compost business, and a gourmet fudge sauce business.

The general public is invited to support these entrepreneurs and network with business leaders throughout the county. Please RSVP for a $5 meal to info@tamacountyiowa.org or 641-484-3108.