Bluffton resident Rebekah Gambrell’s idea of a woman-owned aviation maintenance business is the winner of Bluffton Center for Entrepreneur’s Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition, according to Denise Durenberger, BCE director.

Gambrel, who has a background in avionics, will receive $5,000 towards business start-up costs and a one-year BCE client program membership. She intends to launch Gildeslope Aviation, which will service the northwest Ohio avionics market.

John Hawkins, owner of PCDR Coatings, Findlay, won second place. He receives $1,000 prize money towards start-up costs and a one-year BCE client program membership. Hawkins intends to provide cleaning and powder-coating application services to metal parts and assemblies of local manufacturing companies.

Jane Raines and Kathleen Virden, Lima, owners of Delicate Sweet Treats, a home-based bakery, won third place. They will receive a one-year BCE client program membership. The mother-daughter business will offer cakes, cookies, candies and gift options to birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, bridal showers and work events.

Competitors in the competition participated in eight workshops led by Kathy Keller, director, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Lima. The workshops were held at Bluffton University this spring.

Bluffton University, DTR Industries, Mustard Seed Cafe, Reichenbach and Steiner CPA's and WLIO TV, Lima, are major sponsors of the competition.

Additional support for the competition is provided by Allen Economic Development Group, Bluffton Icon, Citizens National Bank, First National Bank, Samuel W. Diller and Mitchell Kingsley, attorneys at law, and Sielschott, Walsh, Keifer and Regula CPA’s.

This is BCE’s third annual business plan competition. This year the name was changed to recognize the late Ropp Triplett, long-time Bluffton industrial leader and entrepreneur.

About BCE

The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs is a not-for-profit business incubator offering support services and professional guidance to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties. BCE clients receive customized mentoring, networking opportunities and access to developmental resources including Bluffton University faculty, student interns and affordable office space.

The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs is housed on the campus of Bluffton University and is a collaborative effort with the local business community, the Village of Bluffton and the university.