The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. of Garner, IA as one of the five finalists advancing to the grand finale of the SBA Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition. As part of the nation’s Freedom 250 celebrations, the competition spotlights the small businesses who leveraged SBA capital products to innovate, scale operations, and strengthen the American economy. The five finalists will make their pitch live before a panel of celebrity judges and a live audience in Washington, D.C. on September 18th to compete for a $1 million cash prize pool funded by Clover Network, Inc.
Plas-Tech Tooling is an advanced manufacturing company specializing in providing high-quality, precision manufacturing solutions. Dean and Marcia Sonquist founded Plas-Tech Tooling in 1993 in a two-car garage. The multi-generational company now occupies 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space in rural North Iowa, creating valuable local jobs and successfully competing in the global market. Plas-Tech has powered their growth through innovative policies and strategic utilization of regional resources and community partnerships.
Candi Karsjens, Executive Director of the NIACC Pappajohn Center, said “Plas-Tech Tooling represents the very best of Iowa entrepreneurship. They have embraced every opportunity to improve, innovate, and grow. Their practices reflect their belief that investing in people and partnerships is essential to building a strong business and a strong community.”
In the Patriot Pitch Competition, contestants were evaluated on their ability to strengthen American competitiveness, demonstrate strong small business performance and innovation, create economic impact and quality jobs, and show sound business fundamentals and execution readiness. At the live competition, Plas-Tech Tooling will compete for one of five prizes totaling $1 million: $400,000 for first place, $250,000 for second, $150,000 for third, $125,000 for fourth, and $75,000 for fifth.
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is North Iowa’s hub for new business starts, innovation, and rural business success. From Main Street startups to industry leaders, we’re building a stronger Iowa through hands-on advising, stakeholder-driven programs, and a commitment to entrepreneurial education, from the classroom to the boardroom. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu. Visit the NIACC Pappajohn Center online at www.pappajohncenter.com.
