Business Plan Challenge ending soon

VW independent/submitted information

The fourth annual Entrepreneurship Fair Business Plan Challenge is coming to a close once again for local individuals who are interested in the competition.

The entry deadline to submit a business plan is scheduled for Friday, February 20, at 5 p.m. The Business Plan Challenge was announced at the sixth annual Entrepreneurship Fair at Vantage Career Center last November and, since that time, although not required, those interested in submitting their business plans for the competition have been attending workshops to assist in the process.

Over the last several months, the workshops, conducted by the Wright State University-Lake Campus’ Business Enterprise Center, have helped people who are not only interested in the competition, but also in gaining a better understanding of the essential elements of starting a business.

The Business Plan Challenge is an annual event promoted as a partnership between Van Wert City Economic Development/OSU Extension Community Development, the Lake Campus’ Campus Business Enterprise Center, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Van Wert and other business related volunteers in an effort to support Van Wert’s new business start-ups.

Over the past three years, winners of the competition have been successful in launching new businesses with the help of the monetary award presented as part of the annual event. In 2012, Something from the Garden” was awarded first place for an outstanding business plan. In 2013, the award went to Once I Was and, in 2014, to The Embroidery Coop.

Van Wert County residents who are still interested in submitting a business plan for the competition for the chance to win up to $2,500 in business development funds can do so to the Van Wert City Economic Development office, 515 E. Main St. Van Wert, no later than 5 p.m. Friday, February 20.