County and Edward Jones sponsor business plan competition
St. Louis American
January 28, 2010
If you are a new, small business in the St. Louis area, then the St. Louis County Economic Council and Edward Jones want to see your best business plan - and they may be willing to pay for it.
Tuesday, March 9 is the deadline for entering the Business Plan Competition, and Edward Jones will be paying out prize money of $50,000 for first place, $30,000 for second place and $20,000 for third place.
"This competition will help promote entrepreneurship in our region and reward those with solid business plans extra stability to help them succeed," said St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley.
Other area companies and firms are providing in-kind support. Legal, accounting and marketing services will be donated by Thompson Coburn LLP; Carmody MacDonald P.C.; Armstrong Teasdale LLP; RubinBrown LLP; UHY Advisors MO; LarsonAllen P.C.; Fleishman-Hillard; Brighton Agency; and Standing Partnership.
Mentoring also will be provided by Innovate Venture Mentoring Service.
The business plan must include an Executive Summary, Company Description, Industry Analysis, Target Market, Competition, Marketing and Sales Strategy, Management, Staffing, Operations, Milestones, Financial, and Appendices and Exhibits, including resumes of all team members.
Every for-profit industry sector is eligible. Businesses have to be new or in an early stage with no more than $100,000 in annual revenue.
"Small business is the backbone of the American economy," said Dooley.
"Today, during some of the worst economic times the United States has seen in its history, small businesses are making the biggest positive impact on the economy."
Dooley said this is the first time an economic development agency in the State of Missouri has partnered with a national company to support small businesses.
"Small businesses represent our nation's growth engine. They help make America among the most productive work forces in the world," said Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones.
"We know what it takes for a small business owner to survive and succeed, and the St. Louis Regional Business Plan Competition helps encourage that success."
The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, March 9. For additional information about the eligibility requirements, competition rules, judging criteria, and important deadlines, visit www.slcec.com/business-plan-competition.html.
