Fairview Technology Center 3rd Annual Startup Business Plan Competition
America’s small business community provides the foundation of its economic strength. With the vast majority of our nation’s workforce employed by small businesses, much of the weight of a successful economic recovery rests squarely on its shoulders.
In recognition of the importance of small business vitality, energy, and innovation to the nation and East Tennessee region, the Fairview Technology Center (FTC) business incubator and its sponsors once again announce a call for entries for its 2011 Startup Business Plan Competition. The competition will serve to highlight the best and brightest business plans and reward those judged to have the most potential for local growth and job creation in the greater Knoxville area.
First and second place honorees will receive business development packages including free rent at FTC, a lengthy listing of complimentary business consulting services from local providers, and cash reimbursements for start-up costs. First and second place prizes are valued at over $23,000 and $8,000 respectively.
Initial entry applications for the competition are due on or before April 14, 2011. For a full listing of entry criteria and award packages, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.knoxdevelopment.org. Any professional service provider who is interested in contributing to the award packages is urged to contact The Development Corporation of Knox County through an e-mail link on the website.
Owned by Knox County and managed by the Development Corporation of Knox County, the FTC mission is to support the creation and growth of innovative business by providing an affordable work environment that maximizes a young business’ precious startup capital. A twelve-member FTC advisory board provides much needed support for entrepreneurial efforts by way of its access to a wide range of talent, expertise, and business development resources.
East Tennessee’s Tech 2020 program contributes major resources to FTC tenants by providing companies with business counseling and management coaching.
For more information on the competition, please visit www.knoxdevelopment.org or contact Todd Napier, Executive Vice President The Development Corporation of Knox County at 865-546-5887.
Key Dates
- Thursday, April 14, 2011 Deadline for Applications
- Monday, April 25, 2011 Notify Semi-Finalists (10)
- Thursday, April 28, 2011 Class 1
- Thursday, May 5, 2011 Class 2
- Thursday, May 12, 2011 Class 3
- Thursday, May 19, 2011 Class 4
- Thursday, May 26, 2011 Executive Summary Due
- Tuesday, May 31, 2011 Notify Finalists (5)
- Thursday, June 9, 2011 Final Presentation (5)