The process of writing a business plan is much more than taking ideas and placing them in a document. A business plan is as much of a commitment to action as it is a strategy. Regional entrepreneurs with startup businesses and existing businesses can also use this process as a way to connect with much needed resources thanks to the third annual Eastern Shore business plan contest.
During this year’s competition not only will the first place winner cash in on $25,000 in prize money, but he or she will automatically advance to the semi-final round of the 2015 InvestMaryland Challenge business competition in pursuit of a $100,000 cash prize.
Applicants can register online at www.ShoreBizPlan.com. Click on “Eastern Shore Business Plan Competition,” then “Sign Up” for an account in the right margin. Individuals or teams interested in the competition must confirm eligibility, complete registration, and submit all material by Friday, October 24.
The Eastern Shore Business Competition is sponsored by founding partners: Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC), Maryland Capital Enterprise, and Rural Maryland Council; contributing partners: InvestMaryland Challenge and Maryland TEDCO. For more information contact, Mike Thielke, executive director, Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center at [email protected].
The Eastern Shore Business Competition is open to startups and existing business owners who want to start a new business or expand an existing one. Individual or group applicants are accepted.
A maximum of five individuals or teams will be selected to advance to a final round of competition and will present in front of a panel of judges during a session of the Maryland Entrepreneur Expo on November 12, 2014 in Linthicum, Md. The judges will select the first place winner who will be announced during the closing session of the Expo.
Founded in 2006, the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center works to develop and enhance an entrepreneurial ecosystem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ESEC provides training; services and programs to help business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by creating greater access to capital, and offering programs that develop entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Included are NewVenture, a comprehensive 10-week entrepreneur-training program, annual business plan and student plan competitions, and an annual entrepreneur conference.
In 2012, ESEC launched “hotDesks,” providing co-working spaces for independent professionals. The first location opened in Salisbury with a second location to be announced on the Eastern Shore. For more information on the business plan competition or ESEC, call (410) 770-9330, ventureahead.org or connect with ESEC at facebook.com/ESECventureahead.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.