Innovation Market 'sprouts' new ideas - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

The tv you're watching, the light bulb above your head, every invention got the same start, as an idea.  The Sioux City Growth Organization called on Siouxlanders to bring their best ideas to the table Tuesday night.

Entries at the Innovation Market ranged from places to products, and even events, like the first-ever Siouxland Bacon Fest.

The top five entrepreneurs will present their idea to Sioux City Go.

The winner gets five-thousand-dollars, six-months of free office space, and a meeting with the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.

"We are really really hoping that we can help someone who just needs that boost in the right direction, whether that be financial boost with some of the cash prize, but ultimately it's that mentorship," said the Innovation Market Co-Chair and Sioux City Go member Becca Feauto.

Last year's winner, Chef Paul Seaman, used his prize money to retrofit an airstream trailer into a mobile kitchen.  His food truck sproutstream sets up every week down at the Farmer's Market.

"It's given me a vehicle to serve the kind of food, literally a vehicle, to serve the kind of food that I want to serve," Seaman said.

Seaman's advice for others starting a business is to make sure there's a market for your product and set conservative goals.