A business plan competition put on by Mount Wachusett Community College encourages entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and perhaps win a prize.
The college has extended the deadline for entries to Dec. 31.
The 2014 Business Plan Competition for Regional Entrepreneurs is being held by the college’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
Five finalists and a single grand-prize winner will be selected.
“Innovation in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors is vital for our communities to remain great places to work and live,” MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino said. “Our mission is to help entrepreneurs flourish by spearheading this business plan competition.”
Business plans from individual applicants or teams will be accepted through an extended deadline of midnight Dec. 31. Five finalists will be selected and invited to participate at an awards dinner in January. During the dinner, the finalists will present to a panel of judges.
Qualified entrants must intent to start or grow a business or nonprofit organization within the college’s service area: Ashburnham, Ayer, Ashby, Athol, Barre, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Oakham, Orange, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Townsend, Templeton, Westminster and Winchendon.
The prize package provides more than $5,000 in cash awards, advertising and consulting opportunities; $1,000 in print and digital advertising in the Sentinel & Enterprise; a free three-credit course at MWCC; a free noncredit class at MWCC; a full-page profile or advertisement in upcoming MWCC publications; graphic design services from a professional graphic designer; a free consultation with a marketing vice president; a free one-hour consultation with an attorney, and 2,000 free business cards and more.
For more information about the Business Plan Competition and to submit an application, go to http://mwccbusinessplan2014.istart.org.
