| 101 North Farwell Street. Suite 101 | 715.834.0070 or 1.800.944.2449 | ec.info@eauclaire-wi.com |
| PO Box 1108 | 715.834.1956 (fax) | |
| Eau Claire, WI 54702 |
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We are looking to reward the next great business idea!
Entering the Contest Resources Previous Winners
The Creating Your Own Business Contest is sponsored each year by the Eau Claire Area EDC. The businesses judged that have market-based ideas, strong operational plans, and potential for success will receive a variety of awards.
Since 1986, the Eau Claire Area EDC has had over 60 winners and special recognitions. From those award winning business plans, over 375 jobs have been created. The Eau Claire Area EDC has previously expended $118,500 in cash awards and low interest loans totaling more than $250,000.
This year's contest is sponsored by: 
Entering the Contest
If you have a business plan or are developing one, and you're interested in submitting your plan to the contest, you can submit it at any time for assistance. To participate in the contest, the timeline below provides details on deadlines and the selection process.
Business Descriptions - Due June 15
Based on the business description - which is judged on overall concept/idea, perceived viability, and growth potential - up to 10 contestants will be chosen to move on and submit a full business plan.Consultations/Mentoring - July 1 - September 1
Contestants will meet with experienced, local business development partners to help write the business plan and/or address the needs of the start-up. Business services during this period may be reimburseable for the winner.Final Business Plans - Due September 15
Contestants will submit final business plans to be judged by local successful entrepreneurs, business professionals, and educators. Business plans will be judged on viability, growth potential, market potential, financial feasibility, and capabilities of the management team. (See Judges Evaluation Form) Up to five finalists will be selected to participate in the oral elevator pitch and Q&A session with the judges and professional guests.Oral Presentation of Business Idea - November (Global Entrepreneurship Week)
Finalists will be required to present a 3-minute presentation of their business idea and answer questions from the judging panel. Scores from the written and oral presentation will be combined to determine a winner.
Online Application/Entry Form
See full competition rules, eligibility, and guidelines.
The winner will receive a variety of consulting, financial, and other start-up services to start their business; exact services depend on the needs of the business. The final prize package may include up to $2,500 in reimbursement of business planning services, eligibility for low-interest loans, facilitation of start-up activities, and/or contacts with potential investors or management teams. Each business has different needs, so each prize package will be customized to the specific needs of the winning business.
Contestants whose business plans are not chosen as the winner can continue to receive assistance from EDC staff to move the business forward. Business plans that are not chosen are eligible to enter the contest the following year; a business plan can only be submitted to the contest a total of three times.
Note: The author will retain all rights to the plan regarding its use at all times prior to and following the competition. The EDC will sign a nondisclosure document
with every entry. The EDC reserves the right to accept or reject any entry.
Resources
If you have questions or just don't know where to start, refer to the Business Plan section of the Idea Pathway for links to service providers. Explore others areas of the Idea Pathway for information regarding idea development, prototyping, protecting your idea, naming your business, permits, and much more!
Online business plan templates Provided by SCORE
View guidelines for preparing a business plan
Provided by Small Business Development Center
Previous winners
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