Business startup success depends on many factors. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee launched a New Business Challenge Grant in 2009. Today, at the 21st annual Economic Outlook Forum, Stillwagon Distillery won the 4th annual new business challenge grant award. The first award was given to The Beauty Bar. In 2011 the grant was awarded to Time Bomb Clothing Exchange. In 2012 Joey’s Arcade and Soda Bar won this business startup grant. This is a program designed to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in the Bay Area. The business plan review committee had a tough time choosing just one winner for the package of cash, in-kind services and products provided by sponsors. “A positive, entrepreneurial attitude will encourage small, growing businesses to thrive on the South Coast. The New Business Challenge Grant helps by taking the best business plan and making the business stronger through the infusion of resources needed by small business.” says Arlene Soto, Director of the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center. The 2013 winner, Rick Stillwagon, received over $9,000 of cash, products and services comprised of $2,500 in television advertising from Fox TV; $2,500 in accounting services from Hough, MacAdam and Wartnick CPA’s; $500 in cash from Yellow Cab plus $500 in advertising on cabs; $1,000 of cash and Ready Mix Concrete from Knife River Materials; $750 of executive coaching from DFM Consulting, Inc.; $600 in advertising airtime from KCBY-TV; $500 in banking services from U.S. Bank; $500 in banking services from Umpqua Bank; $500 of childcare from Just Kids Early Learning Center; and a one year chamber membership from the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. The winner will participate in confidential mentoring sessions each month of the award year offered by the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center. The purpose of this grant is to help position new businesses for success and ensure they know this is a good place to start and grow. The winner was chosen through a rigorous business plan competition. We wish all the participants in the New Business Challenge Grant well in their business endeavors.
