Start Me UP! Business Plan Competitions

Small business continues to be the backbone of Central Pennsylvania . For this region to continue to grow and prosper, the leadership of the region needs to do whatever it can to nurture and grow new and existing businesses. To our current residents and to the outside world, we need to be known for our welcoming outreach and maniacal mission in support of the entrepreneurial spirit. If we can be known as the region that loves to cultivate business and are willing to do whatever it takes for business prosperity, we will succeed in helping our region to grow and flourish. The purpose of the 2008 Start Me UP! Business Plan Competitions is to do just this - to assist emerging entrepreneurs.

Specific goals of the 2008 event are:

• Announce the promotion of new business ideas
• Provide much needed assistance to area business people
• Celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurialism
• Brand the region “business friendly”

MURATA BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION:

This business plan competition is designed to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a business. Applicants will develop a business plan and present it to a panel of judges at an event on April 29, 2008 . The winner will receive a prize package including 6-months free rent at the Murata Business Center and a board of advisors, among other prizes. Registration Deadline: February 19, 2008

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to any resident in South Central PA.
• Winner will be required to begin and maintain the business at the Murata Business Center for a period of two years.
• Only non-retail business plans will be accepted.
• Existing companies in business for less than two years are eligible to compete.

CREDC FAB FIVE:

In this competition, five new business establishments will be selected as the CREDC Fab Five—five young businesses promoted as CREDC’s entrepreneurial stars for one year! The goal is to give assistance to guide the businesses to success. The “prize package” includes invitations to and introductions at all Chamber/CREDC functions, a group of advisors, signage for the place of business and promotional assistance through CREDC and Harrisburg Regional Chamber marketing materials, and more! Registration Deadline: March 3, 2008

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be an emerging business, in business for two to five years.
• Must have a minimum of $250,000 in annual revenue.
• Business must be headquartered in Cumberland , Dauphin or Perry County .
• Business must be in one of five industries: medical technology, manufacturing, life sciences, technology solutions or service industry (excluding retail).

COLLEGE VENTURE CHALLENGE:

The Central PA College Venture Challenge is a business plan competition for college students and is an excellent opportunity to sharpen business skills and improve business plans before launching a company. The competition provides feedback from business experts and awards cash prizes to participants and their schools. Registration Deadline: January 16, 2008

 Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student registered full- or part-time for the Fall 2005 or Spring 2006 semester at an institution in Adams , Cumberland , Dauphin, Franklin , Lancaster , Lebanon or York County .
• Business concept must be a realistic, actionable, innovative and marketable idea.
• Individuals or groups may participate.
• It is highly recommended that teams seek a faculty advisor.

For all inquiries or for more information please contact Brian Reilly, 717.213.5046 or BReilly@hbgrc.org. More details are also available inside the Start Me Up section on www.HarrisburgRegionalChamber.org.

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For more information on the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), contact Linda Goldstein, Vice-President,COO, 3211 North Front Street, Suite 201, Harrisburg, PA 17110-1342, (717)213-5031 or lgoldstein@hbgrc.org