Nokomis Launches Innovative Small Business Competition with Downtown Building Give-Away
NOKOMIS, Ill. — In an ambitious effort to strengthen entrepreneurship, preserve historic buildings, and revitalize downtown, the volunteer-led community organization Newkomis is launching an innovative Small Business Competition unlike any other. The grand prize? An entire downtown commercial building.
Designed to remove one of the greatest barriers to business ownership, the competition will award one entrepreneur a downtown building in Nokomis to establish their business. The winning entrepreneur will also receive a comprehensive package of resources to help transform the property into a thriving destination for the community.
The City of Nokomis has committed $50,000 in matching grant funds to support building renovations, while additional in-kind donations from local businesses and partners will provide valuable professional services to help bring the winning business to life.
"This project represents the intersection of entrepreneurship, historic preservation, and community revitalization," said organizers with Newkomis. "Rather than simply filling an empty storefront, we're investing in an entrepreneur, restoring an important downtown building, and creating new energy for our community—all through one collaborative effort."
Newkomis has partnered with the Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) to provide applicants with educational workshops, one-on-one technical assistance, and expert guidance as they develop business plans, financial projections, and prepare to pitch their business ideas to members of the Nokomis community.
"The educational component is our favorite part of this initiative," organizers said. "No matter who ultimately wins the building, every applicant will leave the competition in a stronger position to launch or grow their business. They'll gain knowledge, resources, and confidence that will benefit them long after the competition concludes."
The competition aims to attract entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts while fostering long-term economic growth in Nokomis. By combining business development with downtown investment, Newkomis hopes the project will serve as a model for other rural communities seeking creative solutions to economic development challenges.
Newkomis is a grassroots organization of local volunteers committed to pursuing bold, creative initiatives that make Nokomis an exceptional place to live, work, and do business. Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, the organization continues to champion projects that strengthen the local economy and improve quality of life.
Applications for the Small Business Competition are now open and will conclude on September 13th. Entrepreneurs interested in competing are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the educational resources available throughout the competition.
For more information about the competition, application process, and upcoming educational workshops, visit the Nokomis Small Business Competition Facebook page or contact the City of Nokomis at 217-563-2514.
