Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs invites the community to meet this year’s Ropp Triplett Business Competition contestants and have some free dessert, thanks for local caterers.

The family-friendly event is from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, in the third floor of the Bluffton town hall, 154 N. Main St.

During the evening BCE will announce the winners of this year’s business plan competition. It has two divisions: Emerging Area Businesses, and Established Bluffton Businesses.

Over $7,000 in cash start-up prize money and in-kind services will be awarded to winners. This year 11 contestants entered the Emerging Area Businesses competition, making it the largest-ever number of contestants to compete in one year.

For the second year, BCE also offers a cash prize to a Bluffton Established Business. Two businesses are in that group.

Businesses in the competition will have displays of their products and services for public viewing. In addition, four area caterers will have free desserts available.

Persons attending may vote on their favorite dessert during the event.