Chamber Hosts Entrepreneur Contest

The Gwinentt Chamber announced a competition that will appeal to creative types and small businesses whizzes, especially in this economic climate: a small business plan contest. 

The winner of the 2012 Amazing Entrepreneur Contest will receive a package that could help make the plan a reality, including $2500 cash, a trip to Sage Software’s conference in D.C., one year of participation in the Gwinnett Business Institute, a year Chamber membership, consultation with attorney from Arnall Golden Gregory, and more.

The Chamber’s Economic Development department is putting on the contest along with the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center and Intelligent Systems. The contest was announced in November at the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week. 

“Partnership Gwinnett has a solid focus on small business and entrepreneurial growth,” said Mark Farmer, Director, Entrepreneurship & Information Services, with Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development in a release about the contest. “Our goal is to facilitate the success of start-ups and small business; we believe that this second annual contest supports our economic development efforts by providing grassroots support to local entrepreneurs.” 

You must be older than 13 years old and must currently own and manage a small business in Gwinnett County that is less than 36 months old, according to information on the contest website. The plans must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Feb. 29, 2012. 

“Winning the grand prize probably accelerated recognition of my company by at least one year,” said BennieStaRomana, winner of the prize last year on the Chamber website. “Well thought-out contest prizes were also unequivocal accelerators… Five months after the competition, I’m at full capacity, realizing uptrend revenue, and ready to move into the second phase of the business plan.”