Business Plan Challenge winners named

Submitted information

The fourth annual Business Plan Challenge was held Wednesday evening in Van Wert City Council Chambers.

Four finalists were honored for preparing a comprehensive business plan under the instruction of business consultant, Gary Corcoran at the Wright State Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center, a partner with the Van Wert City Economic and Community Development office. The competition was launched as part of the annual Entrepreneur Fair held last November.

The annual competition is open to any Van Wert County resident who either has a new business idea or a business that is less than a year old wanting to grow.

“Participants this year were exceptional in not only their business idea, but the all-inclusive business plans submitted including a marketing and financial plan,” said Van Wert City Economic Development Director Cindy Leis.

Corcoran was also impressed with the participants.

“I think the best value they get from the classes is the networking and interchange that takes place between all the participants with the free exchange of ideas and questions among the group,” he said.

The first place winner this year was Jolanda Arts, who owns Jolanda Arts Floral Design, an on-line floral design business.  Second place went to Fitness Journeys, owned by Karen Germann, a fitness studio with flexible classes designed for busy women and men wanting to experience a healthy life style.

In third place were Ashley and Jeremy Olson, founders of Humble Bumble, a children’s clothing boutique for children age infant to 10 years old, located within the Once I Was store on South Washington Street.  Honorable mention was given to Josh Roberts, founder of Van Wert Fast Foods, a business that services people who want home delivery of food and grocery items.

Each of the winners received a free social media workshop, embroidery services provided by the Embroidery Coop, business cards and consulting.

The first place winner received $2,500 for business expenses plus a free QuickBooks and Excel workshop and a one-year Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce membership.  Second place winner received $1,000 for business expenses and a free QuickBooks and Excel workshop and the third place winner received $500.

At the event to congratulate the winners were Mayor Don Farmer and City Council President Ken Mengerink, together with members of the Van Wert Entrepreneur Development Council and several sponsors of the event. Sponsors include First Bank of Berne, First Financial Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, the Van Wert County Foundation, Burcham Printing, Wilkinson Printing, Wright State University-Lake Campus, and the Ohio State University Extension.