JANUARY 10, 2007
BRATTLEBORO, VT — Forty-three candidates have submitted entries to the 2007 Business Plan Competition being offered for the second year in a row by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC).
The deadline was 4 p.m. January 8, for candidates to submit an Executive Summary consisting of a two-page business plan and one-page financial summary.
Finalists will be selected and announced on January 17, which is two days later than previously announced due to conflicts in the judges' schedules.
The candidates represent a wide range of businesses, including farming, mobile meat processing, food production, custom quilting, art, restaurants, music publishing, dance, education, high-end audio equipment, new products, and more.
The Business Plan Competition expanded this year to include two entry categories -- “Existing Business” (with a top prize of $20,000) and “Start-Up Business” (with a top prize of $10,000). Additional prizes will be awarded to runners-up and finalists. A maximum of six finalists for each category will be selected. Their full business plans will be due on February 22, with final presentations scheduled for March 12. Winners will be announced the same day at 3 p.m.
The premise behind the Business Plan Competition is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention, and earn financial rewards. More information about the Business Plan Competition can be viewed online at http://bdccbusinessplancompetition.com/.
BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Windham County. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all its residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new Business Park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities, and is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations.
To contact BDCC, call 802-257-7731 or email bdcc@sover.net.