Brown County
Start-Up Competition
Helping aspiring small business owners make the leap from idea to success!
Future business owners will attend a series of business-centered workshops to learn the intricacies of beginning a new business, including writing a business plan. Participants will write their own business plans and pitch their prospective business idea.
Winners could receive up to $20,000 in cash prizes
Plus additional services and support in areas such as accounting, marketing, retail best practices and customer service.
Next steps…
Application Process
Submit your application using the link below. Applications are due October 1st, 2024. No late entries will be accepted.
Entrepreneurial Workshops
Participants are encouraged to attend all three entrepreneurial workshops to assist in the development of their business idea and aid in the preparation of their pitch; however, they are only REQUIRED to attend two workshops.
Pitch Presentation
Let us hear your idea! Participants will pitch their business idea and a winning entrepreneur will be selected.
Post-Competition Support
All participants are encouraged to take advantage of post-competition educational presentations, focused on topics including business legalities, retail best practices and the financial basics of getting a business started. Winner will be required to attend two post-event presentations in order for the full prize money to be distributed.
Dates
Application Process
August 15th - October 1st
FAQ Informational Session (optional)
August 20th @ 4 pm (Mt. Sterling YMCA Conference Room)
Entrepreneurial Workshop 1 - Writing a Business Plan
Wednesday, October 9th @ 6 - 8 pm; YMCA Small Meeting Room
Presenter: Madison Badgley, Great River Economic Development Foundation
Entrepreneurial Workshop 2 - Marketing and Branding
Wednesday, October 16th @ 6 - 8 pm; YMCA Small Meeting Room
Presenter: Alex Geisler, Mt. Sterling YMCA/Action Brown County
Entrepreneurial Workshop 3 - Preparing your Pitch
Wednesday, October 23rd @ 6 - 8 pm; YMCA Small Meeting Room
Presenters: Lance Grady, LG Grady/The Grady Agency; Dan Teefey, Tracy Family Foundation
Business Plan Deadline
October 24th by midnight
Finalists Informed
October 30th
Judges’ Interview
November 6th
Finalists’ Pitch Presentations
November 6th @ 6 pm; Brown County High School Auditorium
Post-Competition Presentation 1
TBA
Post-Competition Presentation 2
TBA
Post-Competition Presentation 3
TBA
Rules and Regulations
1. We need a minimum number of applicants for the competition to run. If we do not reach that minimum, the competition will be postponed.
2. Applicants are not required to be a resident of Brown County but must propose and establish a physical business in Brown County if selected as a winner.
3. A successful candidate is expected to propose, among other things, a sustainable business that generates employment, foot traffic and/or retail sales in Brown County.
4. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
5. Participants are encouraged to attend all three entrepreneurial workshops to assist in the development of their business idea and aid in the preparation of their pitch; however, they are only REQUIRED to attend two workshops.
6. Winner will be required to attend two post-event workshops in order for the full prize money to be distributed.