REV applications for small business pitch competition now open
August 2, 2022
Clinton, IL, August 2, 2022 - First National Bank and Trust Company has partnered with DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC) to host REV, a small business pitch competition, where $15,000 will be distributed to one or more entrepreneurs. Applications are due October 10, 2022.
From the pool of applicants, up to five businesses will be selected to pitch and be judged on all aspects of their business in front of a judges panel on Thursday, November 17 at First National Bank and Trust Company, 2 Kelli Ct, Clinton, IL.
“As the REV program in DeWitt County enters its sixth year, First National Bank and Trust Company is eager to see who will be making their final pitch for how $15,000 will improve or launch their business. The entrepreneurial spirit of the participants is exciting and motivating to see every year,” said First National Bank and Trust Company President, Joshua Shofner.
First National Bank and Trust Company hosts REV in an effort to reinvest in local businesses and entrepreneurs. Applicants will be judged on their pitch, marketing, personal investment level and exit strategy.
In 2017, The Bank of Tioga started REV in an effort to spur economic growth and encourage business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. As of today, over $60,000 has been awarded through this program.
Last year’s winners include: 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, a local all service barbershop, was awarded $6,000 to purchase another chair and set up additional lobby area seating; and 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.
The application deadline is October 10, 2022. 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.