| Nov. 16, 2007: Business
Plan Competition Seeks to Spur "Next Great Idea" for Oswego
County
OSWEGO, NY – Business
and community leaders have come together to launch a $25,000 business
plan competition that encourages entrepreneurs to commit to new
business development in Oswego County, said Austin Wheelock, economic
development specialist for Operation Oswego County (OOC).
"OOC
and the Small Business Development Center at SUNY Oswego (SBDC)
worked together to form an organizing committee from a variety of
backgrounds," said Austin Wheelock, economic development specialist
with OOC.
“We call it ‘The Next Great Idea’
and our goal is to raise $25,000 plus enough to cover event expenses
and promotion through local sponsorships,” Wheelock explained.
“The $25,000 will be awarded to the
team with the winning new business plan. Our timetable calls for
eligible teams to submit an executive summary of their idea by May
1, 2008. A team of judges will evaluate the executive summaries
and up to 10-15 semi-finalists will be selected for round two. These
semi-finalists are required to submit a business plan that follows
competition requirements by Sept. 1, 2008. The winning team will
be selected and announced at a luncheon in November, 2008.”
In addition to Wheelock, committee members
include: Shannon Mantaro, OOC; Jennifer Hill, Oswego-Fulton Chamber
of Commerce; Philip Reitz, Ritz Diner; Larry Perras, John Halleron
and Bernadette Mroz, SBDC; John Trimble, C&S Companies, Steve
Chirello, Chirello Advertising; Brian Caswell, Caswell & Associates,
Amanda Baker, Alliance Bank; Will O’Brien, PathFinder Bank;
Linda Goodness, City of Oswego Community Development Office; and
Allison Nelson, Caraccioli & Nelson law office.
“We are still finalizing eligibility
and rules for the competition, but our fundraising committee will
soon be contacting local businesses to encourage their sponsorship
and support,” Wheelock said.
“Our committee believes that Oswego
County offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for businesses
to start and flourish here. We are all extremely excited to see
what great ideas competition participants generate.”
For more information, Wheelock can
be contacted at 315-343-1545 or at awheelock@oswegocounty.org.
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