"Biz Booster Challenge" to offer a grant of up to $12,000

A grant of up to $12,000 may be awarded to the winner of a Winneshiek County Development, Inc. business plan competition called "Biz Booster Challenge," which is now getting underway.

The Biz Booster Challenge is open to anyone who starts a new business or significantly expands an existing business.  The winner will be selected based on the amount of economic impact the new or expanding business will have in Winneshiek County.
    
A judging panel will make the final decision on whether the $12,000 2014 grant will be awarded to one participant or split among multiple winners. The deadline for entering a business plan is April 11th.

In addition to a one-time grant award, the winner or winners may receive free professional consultations with an attorney, a certified public accountant or other professional services helpful to running a small business.

Participants must be 18 years or older or have consent of their parents or legal guardians to qualify. Only one business plan per participant will be allowed.

In addition to a written business plan, finalists will make an oral presentation before an 8-member judging panel.

To qualify to make the oral presentation, local small-business owners or prospective business owners must submit a business plan that calls for the business to be profitable or at least sustainable; situated fully or at least substantially in Winneshiek County; and not engaged in an acquisition or merger of an existing company

Registration materials and more information about the Biz Booster
Challenge may be obtained by contacting Winneshiek County Development Director Randy Uhl at 563-382-6061 or wcdi@thinkdecorah.com