Fifth annual Mohawk Valley Business Plan Competition
begins; $10,000 cash first prize, plus services

Official 2008 Competition Rules and Regulations

Entrepreneurs with an innovative idea are being sought to enter the fifth annual Mohawk Valley Business Plan Competition.

The winner of the 2008 contest will be announced at the Leading EDGE Awards luncheon on May 7 at Hart’s Hill Inn. The winner of the contest will receive a cash award of $10,000 and additional professional services.

"This event has garnered a lot of attention over the last four years - for the quality of the contest and more importantly for the quality of the entrants and the winners," said EDGE Board Chairman Lawrence T. Gilroy III. "I would encourage any entrepreneur in the Mohawk Valley who has just started a business or is looking to start a business to enter this contest."

"Over the last four years, the Mohawk Valley Business Plan Competition has captured the attention of new entrepreneurs and established businesspeople alike. The excitement generated by the contest helps all businesses which become involved and enter," said Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steven J. DiMeo.

"A business plan is crucial in the development and success of a business," Mr. DiMeo continued. "This contest has encouraged several people to write a business plan, and we anticipate the same happening this year."

The business plan contest is open to individuals who live or attend college in Oneida or Herkimer County, and to companies less than two years old with less than $2 million in annual revenue which are located in the two counties.

Entries to the contest must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2008. Finalists will be announced by April 25, with the winner announced May 7.

Major sponsors of the Business Plan Contest are Adirondack Bank, Cathedral Corporation, D’Arcangelo & Co., M.A. Polce Consulting, Mohawk Valley Applied Technology Corporation, Mohawk Valley Business Journal, Mohawk Valley EDGE, Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center, New York Business Development Corporation, NBT Bank, Oneida Savings Bank, Paige Group, Radisson Hotel, Roberts Office Interiors, Rome Savings Bank and Utica Industrial Development Corporation.

Previous winners are:

• 2007 - Tassleberry Gourmet Foods
.
• 2006 - Movement on the Go
.
• 2005 - Critical Communications
.
• 2004 - Elegrace Casket
.

In three years, the business plan contest has had more than 90 entries, many of which are now in business.

For more information contact:

Rob Duchow
338-0393
rduchow@mvedge.org

Additional Information