Business and Industry

The Big Idea Business Plan Contest starts in central, south central Pennsylvania

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Have you been thinking about starting a business based on a new, tech-based product or process? Your Idea could win one of two $25,000 Cash Prizes in Ben Franklin’s BIG IDEA Business Plan Contest.This year’s competition, sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA and the BF Venture Investment Forum, targets the counties located in Central and South Central Pennsylvania. For contest details, a list of the eligible counties, or to apply online, visit http://bigidea.benfranklin.org.In addition to the two grand prizes totaling $50,000, the winners will also receive:-- One-year website hosting offered by Netrepid-- The opportunity to participate in a BF TechCelerator Boot Camp for Startups-- Six months free rent in the BF TechCelerator @ Carlisle (for a winner from that area)-- Assistance from the Innovation Partnership in preparing a proposal to receive a federal research (SBIR) grant-- Access to all Ben Franklin’s business support services at no chargeStephen Brawley, president/CEO of Ben Franklin, said, “We had a huge response to last year’s contest. Nearly 2,000 people came to the Big Idea landing page to check out the easy application process. We believe that anyone with the courage, energy and enthusiasm to apply to a business plan contest is already a winner.”Ben Franklin Technology Partners CNP, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, provides investment capital and business support services to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania.  www.cnp.benfranklin.org

Last Updated October 18, 2013

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