New Business Challenge grant applications now available, July 30

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 85% of the prior applicants are still in business.  “A positive, pro-growth attitude will encourage small, growing 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 award capital” 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 banking services from Umpqua Bank; $500 in cash and $500 in taxi topper advertising from Yellow Cab; $500 in banking services from U.S. Bank; $500 in banking services from U.S. Bank; $500 in cash and $520 in Ready Mix concrete from Knife River Materials; $2,600 executive coaching from DFM Consulting Inc.; 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.  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 Small Business Development Center.  Completed business plans and applications are due in the chamber office by October 10, 2014.  The winner will be announced at the December 2014 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, 2013.