Winneshiek Idea House announces 2019 featured entrepreneurs
Posted: Wed, Feb 13, 2019 9:49 AM
Winneshiek Idea House, a program which highlights local entrepreneurs and business ideas that contribute to the resilience and sustainability of Winneshiek County, is back for its second year. This year's event will be held next Tuesday, February 23rd, at the Decorah Elks Lodge beginning at 5:00 p.m. The event is open to everyone.
The 2019 Winneshiek Idea House featured entrepreneurs are:
- Ben Gardner & Steve McCargar - Waving Grains Cooperative Bakery
- Elsa McCargar & Conor Murphy - The Wilders Way
- Clara Muggli-Toyloy - Oak & Olive Flowers
- Ellen Rockne - The Lingonberry
The entrepreneurs will present their ideas at Tuesday's event, and will share what they are seeking from the community to take their businesses to the next level.
Winneshiek Idea House co-coordinator Kristin Eggen says last year the inaugural event helped 3 established businesses bring their business to the "next level," and 2 new businesses get launched. "Winneshiek Idea House attendees offered support ranging from child care to consulting, and contributed gifts of social media support, copywriting, bookkeeping, photography, and more. An enthusiastic audience of 44 made 156 pledges totaling over $7,000 in donations and patient loans," says Eggen.
The 2019 featured entrepreneurs are seeking:
- Sales of special items to fund improvement projects
- Space to grow flowers
- Co-op shares
- Donations to a scholarship fund
- Web design support/photography
- Legal services
- Teaching collaborators
Winneshiek Idea House is sponsored by Winneshiek County Development, Inc. To learn more and to register for the event, visit
winneshiekdevelopment.org/idea-house/