Mount Wachusett college competition for entrepreneurs

Mount Wachusett college competition for entrepreneurs

GARDNER — Area entrepreneurs are invited to compete in the 2014 Business Plan contest for prizes valued at more than $5,000.

The Mount Wachusett Community College's Center for Entrepreneurship is holding the contest as part of National Entrepreneurship Month in November. The competition gives business and nonprofit innovators the opportunity to submit business plans and vie for cash and in-kind prizes. Five finalists and a single grand-prize winner will be selected.

"Innovation in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors is vital for our communities to remain great places to work and live," said MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino. "Our mission is to help entrepreneurs flourish by spearheading this business plan competition."

Business plans from individual applicants or teams will be accepted through midnight Friday, Dec. 5. Five finalists will be selected and invited to participate at an awards dinner in January: Each finalist will provide a 90-second business plan pitch, followed by a 10-minute presentation to a panel of judges.

For more information about the Business Plan Competition and to submit an application, go to http://mwccbusinessplan2014.istart.org.


Qualified entrants are from the college's service area: Ashburnham, Ayer, Ashby, Athol, Barre, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Oakham, Orange, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Townsend, Templeton, Westminster and Winchendon.

The prize package provides over $5,000 in cash awards, advertising and consulting opportunities, including a cash award; $1,000 in print and digital advertising in the Sentinel Enterprise; a free three-credit academic course at MWCC valued at $600; a free noncredit class at MWCC valued up to $150; a full-page profile or advertisement in upcoming MWCC publications; graphic design services from a professional graphic designer; a free consultation with a marketing vice president; a free one-hour consultation with an attorney, 2,000 free business cards and more.

National Entrepreneurship Month recognizes those who promote entrepreneurship, business innovation and new jobs in the U.S. and promotes entrepreneurship among America's youths.

MWCC's Business Plan Competition also coincides with Global Entrepreneurship Week Nov. 17-23, which celebrates innovators and job creators who launch startups drive economic growth and expand human welfare.