Entrepreneur Challenge back for a 10th year

Times Reporter     

 

The 10th annual Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge is currently accepting registrations for this year’s competition. There are eight free business training sessions that are offered each Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Teams or individuals have the opportunity to register until March 26, and all of the training sessions are available to registered participants on YouTube.

“Entrepreneurs and small business owners have access to a unique entrepreneur ecosystem in Southern Alberta. Clients throughout the province have heard of RINSA’s success and have accessed our services to expand their business,” said Bill Halley, Technology Development Advisor of Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA).

“The Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge is another exciting opportunity to engage with a group who are focused in getting practical results for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

The Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge covers everything needed in developing a well-grounded, viable business plan. A business plan, which allows an entrepreneur to know his or her business ‘inside and out’, is the best foundation for entrepreneurial success. For anyone wanting to obtain funding from a traditional bank or alternative lending service, a completed business plan is one of the documents that will be needed. This challenge helps you prepare that. 

Janet Fitzgerald and Colleen Best of Kindred Companions in Strathmore were runners-up in last year’s challenge. 

“As new entrepreneurs, we wanted to complete a well-developed business plan. Community Futures was offering free training on topics of value to us as business owners,” said the women in a press release.

“The classes were informative and included business structure, financial planning, operations and marketing. The classes were fun, not intimidating at all, and our liaison with Community Futures Wild Rose was there at each class, supporting and encouraging us.”

The challenge gives entrepreneurs access to mentors for guidance and support. You can also submit your business plan in the two-round evaluations where you will get lots of great feedback and will also have the opportunity to win $10,000. Specific to the Wild Rose region, Meringue3.14, a design & marketing communications company, is offering a $1,250 prize package to include your very own logo design plus 250 custom-designed business cards.

There is also the option to learn as a group, or to take the sessions online. To find out more information call 403-934-8888 or email carolyn@wildrose.ca.