County launches competition to help startups
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
January 20, 2010
by Tim Logan
Edward Jones and the St. Louis County Economic Council on Tuesday launched a regional business plan competition to find and fund a few start-ups and encourage entrepreneurship.
The Economic Council will award $100,000, donated by Edward Jones, to three early-stage start-ups that apply and present the most innovative, marketable and potentially successful business proposals to a panel of judges. The goal, said County Executive Charlie Dooley, is to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region.
"Small business is the backbone of the American economy," he said.
The first-place winner will receive $50,000 in seed funding. Second- and third-place winners will receive $30,000 and $20,000, respectively, and all three will receive professional services help from local accounting, legal and marketing firms that are donating their time. Applications are due March 9.
For more information, contact the St. Louis County Economic Council.
