Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs asks local business owners this attention-grabber: “What would you do with an extra $1,000?”

One business in the 45817 zip code area will win $1,000 to be used to improve its business or to assist in adding a new product, thanks to BCE’s Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition.

The competition has two divisions:
• Small Business Improvement Division (for an established business located in the 45817 zip code area). The first place winner receives $1,000. Second place winner receives $500 in gift-in-kind support.

Last year’s winner was The Dough Hook.

BCE NEWSLETTER ATTACHMENT TO THIS STORY -

• Start-up Division (for an emerging business in business for three years or less, or for someone thinking about opening a new business). The first place winner receives $4,000, second place $1,000, and third place $500.

Last year’s winner was Easter House Bed and Breakfast, Ada. The Start-up Division is open to persons in Allen, Hardin, Hancock and Putnam counties.

“Entrants will focus on ways to add, grow or develop enterprises, which contribute to increases in sales, traffic and jobs to their business and to the Bluffton area,” said Brendon Matthews, BCE board president.

The competition’s initial free session is Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. It takes place, as all session, in the Bluffton town hall third floor meeting room. All sessions are from 6 to 8 p.m.

Kathy Keller, director, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Lima, instructs all sessions with class dates and themes following:

Jan. 11: “Launch Your Business Right (free session)

Jan. 18: “So You Want to be an Entrepreneur” (fees and applications due)

Jan. 25: “Planning to Start a Business”

Feb. 1: “Developing Your Business Idea”

Feb. 8: “Testing Your Business Idea and Getting it to Market”

Feb. 15: “Accounting for Your Business”

Feb. 22: “Financing Your Business”

March 8-9: Business plan dress rehearsal

March 15-16: Business plan presentation to judges

March 23: Bluffton Oscars Mix and Mingle – winners announced

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 Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. Early bird registration by Dec. 31, 2016, is $125.

Entry forms are available at BCE’s website:
www.blufftonentrepreneurs.com.

and in the attachments below.

Persons wanting more information about the contest may contact Fred Steiner, BCE director at 419-889-3065 or [email protected].