Red Rock Start Up! Announces 2025 Pitch Event Winners

Marion County, Iowa — The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well on April 14th as five innovative startups competed in the annual Red Rock Start Up! Pitch Event, held in Marion County. The event brought together aspiring business owners from across the county to pitch their ideas and compete for nearly $10,000 in grant funding.

Thanks to the generous support of local sponsors—including Marion County Development, PACE Alliance, DMACC & Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Marion County Bank, People’s Bank, Leighton State Bank, and Community 1st Credit Union—cash prizes were awarded to the top five pitches.

2025 Pitch Event Winners:

• 🥇 1st Place ($5,000) — Boquitas World LLC, Pella
• 🥈 2nd Place ($2,500) — Roots and Story, Knoxville
• 🥉 3rd Place ($1,500) — Backwoods Fired Pizza, Bussey
• 🏅 4th Place ($500) — Little Wonders Wellness, Pella
• 🏅 5th Place ($250) — Verwers Service LLC, Melcher-Dallas

Each of these startups impressed the panel of judges with their creativity, clarity, and potential to make a lasting economic impact in the region.

“This event continues to showcase the amazing talent and entrepreneurial drive we have right here in Marion County,” said Christopher Watkins, Assistant Director Marion County Development. “It’s exciting to see these businesses grow from ideas into reality.”

Looking ahead, applications for the 2026 Red Rock Start Up! Pitch Event will open in January 2026 on marioncountyiowa.com.

For media inquiries or to learn more about how to support or participate in next year’s event, please contact cwatkins@marioncountyiowa.gov.