Six finalists will compete in on May 11 at Pellissippi State
America’s small business community provides the foundation of its economic strength and supporting entrepreneurs is a cornerstone of the economic development mission of The Development Corporation of Knox County (TDC). In recognition of the importance of small business vitality, energy, and innovation to the nation and to East Tennessee, TDC is holding the second annual, Start-up Business Plan Competition.
The Start-up Business Plan Competition highlights some of the best and brightest local business concepts and rewards those judged to have the most potential for local growth and job creation in the greater Knoxville area. Applicants who made it through the first cut/application process were given a chance to learn how to fine tune their start-up plans through the Idea Launch Seminar Series, provided by the Center for Entrepreneurial Growth. Finalists were selected from the entrepreneurs who provided the best executive summaries of their business plan ideas after completing the Seminar series.
The six finalists in this year’s competition presented a broad mix of business ideas.
- Boulder Booties: Product to protect the specialized climbing shoes worn while rock climbing;
- SpringBox: Compact computer server and related support service that acts as a stand-in for an information technology department in a small business;
- Streamline Group: First and only business source for the full spectrum of electronic and physical mailing, shipping, and receiving solutions and services;
- Knoxville Robots: Retail, training, and public meeting facility for robot enthusiasts, engineers, inventors, and educators;
- Heavenly Criterz: Web-based business that provides a purely Christian, on-line, educational, as well as fun, interactive experience for children that sell personalized stuffed animals; and
- NuGenRe (New Generation Recycling): Management of electronic waste (e-waste).
Judges from the world of entrepreneurial development, small businesses, and venture capital will evaluate the applicants on commercial potential, innovation, feasibility, and on their ability to pitch their business plans at a public forum.
The Finals will be held at the Goins Auditorium at Pellissippi State Technical Community College on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at 1:30 PM.
First and second place honorees will receive business development packages including complimentary business consulting services from local providers, cash for start-up costs, and free rent during their start-up at Fairview Technology Center ‘ the TDC managed business incubator.
For more information on the competition, please visit www.knoxdevelopment.org
Source: TDC Staff