Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center (Southwestern SBDC) and the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce announce the launch of the 2015 New Business Challenge grant competition. Business startup success depends on many factors. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee launched a New Business Challenge Grant in 2009. It is once again time for local startup business owners to think about applying. The New Business Challenge Grant is a program designed to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in the Bay Area. All prior winners of the grant and 80% of the prior applicants are still in business. “A positive, pro-growth attitude will encourage small, emerging businesses to thrive on the South Coast. The New Business Challenge Grant will help by taking the best and making it better through the infusion of cash, products and services donated by existing local businesses” says Arlene Soto, Director of the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center. The winner will receive $2,500 in accounting services from Hough, Macadam and Wartnick CPA’s; $500 in cash and $500 in taxi topper advertising from Yellow Cab; $1,000 cash from the South Coast Development Council; $900 in banking services from Banner Bank; $500 in cash from Pam de Jong, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones; and a one year chamber membership from the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. The winner will participate in confidential mentoring each month of the award year offered by the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center. Any existing business is welcome to contribute sponsorship cash, products or services to enhance this grant package. Sponsorship forms can be obtained by contacting the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. 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 will be chosen through a business plan competition. Applications are available through the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce or the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center. Completed business plans and applications are due in the chamber office by October 9, 2015. The winner will be announced at the December 2015 Economic Outlook Forum. The contest is open to new startup businesses, aspiring businesses and businesses which did not generate customer revenue prior to June 1, 2014.
