Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs is accepting entries in the first-ever Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition, according to Denise Durenberger, BCE executive director.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first three winners in the competition that honors the late Ropp Triplett, long-time Bluffton industrial leader and entrepreneur.

“The contest is open to start-up businesses and emerging businesses that are less than three years old. The competition teaches entrepreneurs to write a business plan that will help them improve their existing business or to successfully start a new one,” said Durenberger.

In conjunction with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Lima, BCE will be host a series of business plan preparation workshops.  The workshops take place on the Bluffton University campus.

The program begins with a free introductory session, “Launch your business right.”  Kathy Keller of the SBDC will lead the workshops.

The workshops teach participants how to complete a business plan for presentation to lenders or investors Topics include business planning, testing business ideas, marketing, accounting and presentation skills.

To enter the competition, contestants must complete an entry form and submit a $150 application fee. The fee for college student to enter is $75.  The deadline to enter the contest is March 11.

For a copy of the entry form and additional information contact BCE at 419-358-6400 or e-mail [email protected].  Material is also available at www.blufftonentrepreneurs.com. 

“Ropp Triplett leaves behind a legacy of leadership and creativity that blessed his family, friends and the Bluffton community.  As an entrepreneur himself, he was dedicated to the associates of his family business, the Triplett Corp. in Bluffton,” said Durenberger.  

“He was instrumental in helping Bluffton’s small businesses succeed and helped create a vision for the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs.  We honor Ropp for his commitment to our organization and the entrepreneurial spirit in our community through our Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition,” she said.

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.