The 2010 Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs Business Plan Competition kicks off on April 1 with the first of 10 seminars and culminates in June with more than $3,000 in prizes, according to John Bauer, BCE executive director.

"The combined seminar series and competition will teach participants to write a business plan that will improve an existing business or successfully start a new one," said Bauer. "The contest is open to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and emerging businesses (less than three-years old) in northwest Ohio."

Business plan classes are taught on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and run 90 minutes. Classes are held in Centennial Hall on the Bluffton University campus, Room 113.

The cost is $149, which includes competition entry fee, textbook, and workbook. Classes are free if you wish to attend without receiving these materials or entering the competition.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by contacting John Bauer, executive director of the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs, at [email protected].

Topics for the seminar series are:
April 1 - Are you Entrepreneurial? Developing Your Business Concept
April 8 - Business Start-Up Options and Market Research
April 15 - Business Fundamentals
April 22 - Testing the Idea: Market Research & Analysis
April 29 - Getting to the Market: Marketing Strategies
May 6 - Understanding Budgets & Financials, Part I
May 13 - Understanding Budgets & Financials, Part II
May 20 - Raising the Money
May 27 - Getting Started & Managing the Future
June 3 - Goal Setting, Budgets, & Progress Review

The Business Plan competition is comprised of two divisions: Startup Businesses (not yet open for business) and Emerging Businesses (less than three years old).

A total of six prizes will be awarded: Grand Prizes: $500 plus $500 in business services; Second Prizes: $250 plus $250 in business services; Third Prizes: $100 plus $250 in business services.

The deadline to register for the Business Plan Competition is May 1, and the Written Plan submission deadline is June 11. Contestant will practice their business plan presentation on June 17 and judging of the business presentations will be held on June 19.

Participation in the 10-session seminar series is recommended but not required; those only entering the contest pay a $149 fee.