$2,500 Dream Big Award - Apply Now
This small business award will be presented twice a year giving a small business a financial boost & support entrepreneurism in the Heart of the Valley! Small businesses have a considerable economic impact on our community, they create jobs, spark innovation and provide opportunities for many people, including women and minorities, to achieve financial success and independence.
The Winter Award Cycle will feature 1- $2,500 grants presented at our Annual Awards Celebration event on March 11 at Van Abel’s of Hollandtown.
The Dream Big Awards are made possible by TDS & the Heart of the Valley Chamber. Together, we’ll continue to support small businesses throughout our communities and highlight their achievements and contributions to our local economic growth.
How the Award Can Be Used
The award will support a small business owner with funding to invest in:
• New products or additional inventory
• Necessary equipment or office supplies
• Signage, lighting, or remodel
• Leadership or skill specific training
• Technology, computer, POS equipment, etc.
Applications Due February 16, 2026 at 12pm
Helping Small Businesses Do Big Things
To be eligible to apply for the Spring round of the Small Business - Dream Big Award, an applicant must:
- Be a small business primarily doing business in the Heart of the Valley/Fox Valley area.
- Be a for-profit business operating for at least one (1) year primarily within the Heart of Valley/Fox Valley area.
- Must be a current member of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Agree to all of the award rules, including attending the awards presentation at the Annual Awards event on March 11 at Van Abel’s of Hollandtown.
- Priority will be given to businesses where the Dream Big Award can make the most substantial impact on the operations or growth of the business.
Application Timeline for Winter 2026 Award Cycle
- January 10 – Applications Open
- February 16 – Applications Due at 12pm
- February 17-18 – Applications are reviewed by committee
- February 18-20 – Winners notified
- March 11 – Check presented at Annual Awards event
*Winter Award recipient will receive 2 tickets to Annual Awards event on March 11 at Van Abel’s and the award will be presented at the event.
Congratulations to Fall award recipients, Unseen Abilities & Fox Valley Meal Prep.
Award Rules & Details
We are excited to offer a cash award designed to empower small businesses like yours by enhancing your product offerings, increasing your inventory, optimizing your workspace, or investing in essential skills and training. With this award, you get that little boost needed to elevate your business!
This program will offer two award cycles each year.
- The Fall Award cycle will provide two local female business owner with a $2,000 cash award which will be presented in October at our Women You Should Know event.
- The Winter/Spring Award cycle will provide a $2,500 cash award & is open to all small businesses that are members of the HOTV Chamber. The award will be presented in March at our Annual Awards event.
Award Rules
- Grant funds cannot be used for debt consolidation or any debt service.
- The award winner will be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes that may be applicable.
- Must provide a current W9.
- Must attend the Annual Awards event on March 11. 2 Tickets will be provided.
- Must provide a statement of what the grant was used for.
- Must submit a photo or headshot and business logo.
- Allow Heart of the Valley Chamber staff to conduct an interview to feature social media and newsletter.
Congratulations to our Past Award Recipients
Honey Event Planning and Coordination
Owner, Tori Heidemann
Creative Simplicity
Owner, Megan Beyer
Thirty Days Journals
Owner, Callie Huft
Inclusion Community Center
Owners, Bryanna Moder & Shannon Diedrick
Party & Print
Owner, Karen Anderson
Fox Valley Meal Prep
Owner, Destiny Antuna
