SHARE

Missouri State Entrepreneurship CompetitionMARSHALL, Mo. /eNewsChannels/ — Today, the Missouri Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA) is pleased to announce the fourth MADE in Missouri State Entrepreneurship Competition. The 2013 competition encourages new and aspiring business through a competitive, educational and technical business development process. Grants are awarded to competition winners for startup costs or operating capital.

The Competition gives new and potential business owners in Missouri an opportunity to compete with other fledgling businesses throughout the state. It is designed to foster sustainable business in Missouri by Missouri residents.

Cheryl Zimny said, “An entrepreneur with an idea can change the world. Will it be you? Will it be one of this year’s competitors?” As Glen Beck would say “Small business is the heart of this nation.” It’s what the U.S. is all about. It is what a strong Missouri economy is all about.

At the preliminary level, participants complete a questionnaire outlining the key factors of their business idea along with leadership, management, community, and environmental plans for implementation. Semi-finalists complete a business plan and sales presentation. Finalists present a live presentation of their business plans, products, and services at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia Missouri on August 12, 2013.

The Competition challenges potential entrepreneurs to move forward and assists them in finding a network of resources to develop and refine their business ideas. Participants are aided with technical assistance, communication skills, marketing and financial advice from the Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE).

MADE is comprised of diverse organizations, technical professionals, university members, federal and state department personnel and entrepreneurs. It includes the Federal Reserve Banks of Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Center and the University of Missouri Extension among others.

Registration is open to potential or current business owners in Missouri that have been in operation three years or less. There are Youth and Open categories for participation. Participants considering going in to business for the first time are welcomed.

Application material can be accessed online at http://www.mvcaa.net/index.cfm?Page=MADE.

Submission deadline is May 31, 2013. Submission by mail must be postmarked by May 31; email applications must be received by 5 p.m. For more information visit mvcaa.net or contact Cheryl Zimny at Made.mvcaa@gmail.com.

This project is facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri (www.mvcaa.net). It is funded 75 percent with federal funds and 25 percent by nongovernmental sources. Federal funds are from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and provided through the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Copyright © 2013 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.