Encourage friends, family, and colleagues with new business ideas to enter the Carroll Biz Challenge.
We all know someone who is thinking about starting a business or has recently gotten one off the ground. By encouraging the entrepreneurs in your life to enter the Carroll Biz Challenge, you could be the one to help write Carroll’s next small business success story.
While entering this local business competition doesn’t guarantee success, it does guarantee that entrants will have the opportunity to make great local business connections, get loads of publicity, and compete to win $8,000 in prizes. In order to make it even easier for a local entrepreneur to make their business dream come true, the competition is 100% FREE to enter thanks to Gibble Enterprises Holdings.
There is still plenty of time for folks to fill out the simple, online application. All entries must be submitted online by Sunday, October 19th.
Learn more, register, and apply here: http://www.carrollbizchallenge.com
Here are some answers to commonly asked asked questions…
Who is eligible to enter the competition?
The contest is open to individuals and teams, otherwise eligible, who are proposing a business or product idea that is not yet established. This includes, but may not be limited to, brand new business ideas, budding startup businesses, or businesses that launched or will launch in 2014. The proposed businesses must be a company that is or will be headquartered or principally located in Carroll County, Maryland. Individuals and teams, otherwise eligible, must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Complete eligibility, terms, and conditions are available online.
How do I enter the competition?
Visit www.CarrollBizChallenge.com. Register for an account and follow the prompts to complete the simple online application form by October 19th. Some notes on the application:
- A full business plan is NOT required.
- A logo and a pitch video are welcomed, but are NOT required.
- The application can be saved and completed at a later date.
- A complete application guide can be downloaded here.
What happens after I submit the application?
After an application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will select five finalists. Finalists will then be required to prepare a five minute pitch that will be delivered in front of a live audience and panel of judges on Thursday, November 20th at Cre-a-tv Studios.
ALL applicants are invited to attend (for FREE):
- Applicant Meet and Greet at the Best Western on Wednesday, October 22nd from 5-7pm.
- Live Finalist Announcement at the Community Media Center on Tuesday, October 28th from 4-6pm.
- Carroll Biz Challenge Finale at Cre-a-tv Studios on Thursday, November 20th from 4:30-9pm. (4:30pm Cocktails, 6:00pm Contest Begins)
What are the prizes?
- $5,000 Cash Grand Prize
- $500 Cash People’s Choice Award
- $2,500 Downtown Award for the best downtown business idea
What will the live competition be like?
Who can I contact for questions?
Jason Stambaugh is the Carroll Biz Challenge competition administrator. He can be reached by email at jason@startuplocal.biz or by phone at (410) 857-7525.