Chinook Challenge returns

Posted on: Staff Writer

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

The 11th annual Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge is getting underway on Feb. 4 and is a perfect learning opportunity for those planning to start their own business.
The challenge offers eight free training sessions to help people create a well thought out business plan.
Those who participate will also get feedback on their plans from professionals and in the end can enter it in for a chance to win a cash prize. This year there are three $10,000 grand prizes, and four runner-up prizes of $2,500.
“If they haven’t created one it’s kind of a good opportunity for them to create one and learn some valuable training behind it and then the purpose of the business plan,” said Wendy Gerbrandt, community economic development coordinator for Community Futures Wildrose.
Participants will also have an opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs and business professionals throughout the process, gaining valuable tips and advice. The sessions are geared to take you from start up to implementation.
“They’re learning ideas to actions, so just building their action plan, ownership and insurance, so they talk about some of the legalities. There will be lawyers (and others) that will be delivering those sessions,” said Gerbrandt. “They do human resources and picking and planning a proper location and then of course the marketing aspect.
“They talk about operations management and then they also have the opportunity to talk to risk management and financial professionals.”
There are also sessions about funding, how the business will operate and learning how to implement the plan.
There is no obligation to attend every session, but for those interested they are held every Wednesday starting Feb. 4 at the Community Futures Wildrose office from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The submission deadline for the business plans is April 23, and final presentations will be made on June 10.
More information can be found by going to www.chinookchallenge.com or by calling the Community Futures Wildrose office at 403-934-8888.