The GEGEC Business Grant Challenge is now open for applications!

The GEGEC Business Grant Challenge is now open for applications! Your Vision. Our Region. Let’s Build it Together.

One of the biggest barriers to ideas becoming a reality is access to funding.

Barriers are best overcome together. To that end, the Greater East Grand Economic Council is investing up to $50,000 in the next great expansions or services to the Greater East Grand Region by officially opening the 2026 Business Grant Challenge. This isn't a loan with a mountain of fine print. It is a grant funding pool to be awarded to one or more winning businesses. It is designed to help local entrepreneurs get off the ground or help existing businesses take the next big step. This money does not need to be paid back. Email chinshaw@eastgrandregion.org to schedule a meeting before June 1, 2026 in order to be eligible. Participants will receive extensive support and coaching from our partners throughout the process.

Why are we doing this?

Our goal is to strengthen our neck of the woods. We want to:

Encourage Growth: Help create new businesses or expand existing ones right here.

Support You: Provide free professional guidance so you aren't navigating the business world alone.

Fill the Gaps: Support services that save our neighbors an hour's drive.

Is This for You?

Ideas are limitless and startups come in all shapes and forms. You don’t need a fancy degree or a three-piece suit to apply. This challenge is open to just about anyone with a solid idea and a commitment to the region. Maybe you’ve been doing something on the side and you’re ready to go full-time. Or maybe you’ve been running a local business for twenty years and need a boost to modernize or expand.

Priority is given to:

Local Impact: Businesses based in the region or owners who live here (though anyone serving the region is welcome to apply).

Job Creation: Projects with the potential to hire a neighbor within the next 1–2 years.

Community Need: Services that our towns are currently missing.

How to Get Started

The best way to start is with an informal conversation. Reach out, tell us what you’re thinking, and get some initial feedback. It’s a low-pressure way to see if this is the right fit for you.

The Deadline to begin the process is June 1, 2026.

EMAIL chinshaw@eastgrandregion.org

to start the process

Our region has always been defined by the hard work and creativity of the people living in it. Your idea might be the exact thing the Greater East Grand region needs next.