The winners of the annual Warren County Economic Development Small Business Grant Contest have been announced, with $19,000 in grant funds awarded to Warren County businesses.

Start-up Businesses
– Back Alley Bikes, Indianola – $5,000 for 1st Place
– Orwig Dental Co., Indianola – $2,500 for 2nd Place
– The Kiln Room LLC, Carlisle – $1,000 for 3rd Place

Existing Businesses
– Bob’s Custom Trophies, Indianola – $6,000 for 1st Place
– The Groggy Dog, Indianola – $3,000 for 2nd Place
– Bellflower Florist & Gifts LLC, Norwalk – $1,500 for 3rd Place

Grant funds were judged on a presentation at a “pitch-off” event on Tuesday, and will go towards projects that will help to “level up” the business, such as purchasing new software to help with sales, or new equipment that will help them make a new or better product.