For the first time in over five years, Bluffton and area residents are invited to a Bluffton business expo where they can view products and services of over 25 local businesses.
 
It’s the Bluffton Oscars Mix and Mingle business expo, at The Centre on Thursday, March 24, from 5 to 7 p.m.
 
• Admission is free – plus free snacks including:
• free pizza from Luke’s Bar and Grill
• free popcorn from Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn
• free  appetizers and a cash bar from The Centre
• door prizes drawing throughout the evening
 
Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs, partnering with Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and The Centre are the event sponsors.
 
“The expo gives the public a chance to see what area businesses offer. And, it enables business owners to network and show their products,” said Brendon Matthews, BCE board president.
 
At 6 p.m., BCE will present the “Oscars” awards to its 2016 Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition winners. That competition concluded last week. Kathy Keller of the Small Business Administration, led the classes. This year BCE will award $7,000 in cash and in-kind awards.
 
Two divisions
• Emerging business division cash prizes– first place $4,000, second place, $1,000, third place $500
• Established Bluffton business division prizes– first place, $1,000; second place, $500 in-kind gifts
 
Businesses with table displays
• Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
• Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs
• The Centre
• Bluffton-Ada Icons
• CG Pro Bikes
• Easter House Bed and Breakfast, Ada
• PS Editorial Services
• Small Business Administration
• The Dough Hook
• Winding Road Sales, Wapakoneta
• Damsel in Defense
• Bluffton University
• Costco Wholesale, Perrysburg
• Findlay Hearing Center
• Service Master, Lima
• Bluffton Public Library
• McDaniel's Trophies, Pandora
• Origami Owl
• SHANNON Service Club
• Elysian Fields Photography
• Bluffton Girl Scouts
• Superior Energy Solutions
• Bluffton Hospital
• Time Staffing, Findlay
• Rodan + Fields
• Bluffton Family Recreation