Ask any small business owner how they got their start, and chances are they will tell you it began with a dream — a dream to be their own boss, chart their own path and build something of value.

Recognizing the value of these stories and the positive impact entrepreneurial endeavors have on the state’s economy, the Iowa Farm Bureau’s Renew Rural Iowa program is a proud supporter (and founder) of the annual “Dream Big. Grow Here” contest. Small businesses enter their “dream” proposal online and compete for a chance to win grant money in six different industry categories.  

The contest win­­ner will be an­­nounced at Entrefest, a gathering for Iowa entrepreneurs, May 20-22 in Iowa City (www.entrefest.com).

“Ag Innovation” is one of the contest’s recognized industries, and Iowa Farm Bureau is the sole sponsor of this new category.  

However, the story of Megan Archer’s business, one ...