Local Government>VentureQuest - Business Plan Competition

Venture Quest 2010 [Click here to view full size picture]

PLEASE COME BACK TO THIS SITE TO WATCH FOR NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Venture Quest 2011 is moving forward. If you would like to be added to our mailing list for participants and partners. Mailings will include press releases and information specific to participating in the competition.

Beginning at our start date, anyone with a great idea for a business product or service, anyone with a business plan at any stage of development, or any small business looking to expand or move in a different direction may enter the competition.

In the meantime . . .
*****Download the entire press release and other new information by clicking on the link under the Press Release and Documents Section.*****

****NEW*****

Go to the IStart Website to download forms and upload your business plans.

Application Information Please use the link to IStart in the Competition Information section to complete the necessary steps to compete in this years VentureQuest Business Plan Competition. Information and forms will be added daily to the Istart Competition site, so please check back daily. Information will also be available under the Press Release & Documents Section, but registration on the Istart Competition site is required. Thank you for your patience while we put together this "First Edition of VentureQuest". Contact infomation is as follows: Matthew Aslesen - Associate Planner Southwest Michigan Planning Commission 185 East Main Street, Suite 701 Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Phone: 269.925.1137 x 13 Fax: 269.925.0288	Competition Information The VentureQuest Competition Schedule is now set and as follows: 1. April 1, 2011 Intent to Compete Deadline 2. April 15, 2011 Business Plans are Due 3. May 15, 2011 Finalist Announced 4. May 31, 2011 Awards Ceremony 6:30-8:30 Registration on the IStart Site is required for entry. Please log onto IStart at the following link: IStart - Business Plan Competition Website.
Business Planning Click on the following link to go the the SBA Resource Page on writing a business plan. Small Business Administration "Writing a Business Plan"	F.A.Q.
External Links Sponsor Links! 1. Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. 2. Berrien County Community Development. 3. Cass County Economic Development. 4. Van Buren County Economic Development. 5. SCORE. 6. Cornerstone Alliance. 7. BRACE. Corporate Sponsors & Partners The Edward Lowe Foundation - Platinum Level Sponsor	Previous Winners Watch for our Winners Circle TBA.
About Venture Quest Venture Quest is an exciting new business competition targeting people with great ideas interested in either starting or improving a new business in southwest Michigan. The competition seeks to benefit all participants by: Encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit. Improving access to capital for those who are able to create sound businesses plans. Improving access to education about entrepreneurship. Building a network of community support for new businesses - from both peers and professionals - for participants to use in the future. By raising the profile of southwest Michigan through business start-ups and growing enterprises in southwest Michigan. Fostering an environment that supports entrepreneurial initiatives. Developing an awareness of southwest Michigan as a cooperative, supportive environment within which to begin and grow a business. Our Sponsors Include: Southwest Michigan Planning Commission Berrien County Department of Community Development Cass County Economic Development Corporation Van Buren County Economic Development Corporation	Press Release & Documents Press Release #1 - January 25, 2010 Documents and Forms

This page last updated on 3/28/2011.