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Success at Entrepreneurial Challenge
 $18,000 in prize money was distributed among six local entrepreneurs who had submitted business plans and presented their ideas at the MCB Entrepreneurial Challenge last week. Participants entered the competition as either a New Business Ventures or Second Phase Growth companies.
In the New Business Ventures category, winners included:
1st place and $5,000: Liquid Media (community controlled marketing and real-time advertising)
2nd place and $3,000: Safe Rod (fly rod protection on drift boats)
3rd place and $1,000: Prodagen (Nintendo Wii gaming tool that improves player proficiency)
Second Phase Growth winners included:
1st place and $5,000: Red Rocket Web Specialists (marketing agency)
2nd place and $1,333.33 each (three-way tie): Sardis Enterprises (pineapple import and retail), Expressville (communication learning company) and I Am Smart Technology (device that turns off electrical appliances by sound)
"We're very happy with the results of this inaugural Entrepreneurial Challenge," said David Thomas, assistant professor of management at MCB. While the business plan competition was being conducted, four workshops were presented throughout the day on topic such as business growth, marketing, business law and financing. In addition, regional experts were on-hand to discuss strategies for financing start-ups and expanding existing comapnies as part of the Business Plus Speaker Series during the lunch hour.
"Our goal was to provide valuable information on a wide variety of topics that could be beneficial to new and existing business growth in Northern Colorado," Thomas concluded. "I feel certain we will hear more from these talented and dedicated entrepreneurs, and with them well as they begin new businesses and try to take existing businesses to the next level." |
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Committed to International Trade?
Applications are currently being accepted from Colorado companies for the 2010 Governor's Award for Excellence in Exporting. This award has been given every year since 1970 and recognizes Colorado companies that demonstrate a commitment to international trade.
Winning companies will be formally recognized by Governor Bill Ritter Jr. at World Trade Day on May 19th, 2010.
In order to be considered for an award, please complete the 2010 Official Application Form available for download on the OEDIT's website. Completed applications are due on or before Wednesday, April 14th, 2010.
If you have any difficulty completing or saving your application form, or have other questions about the award process, please contact Thomas Binet of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade at thomas.binet@state.co.us or 303-892-3813.
Exporting businesses of any size or industry may apply, as well as those exporting either goods or services, or both. In the past, the award has been given to companies in various categories such as small manufacturing company (as measured by annual revenue), large manufacturing company, services company, and agriculture-based exporter.
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| Client Focus: Boss-Man Bar-B-Que
 Having been successful in many competitive barbeque contests, Stacy and Chuck Marting had the confidence required to open Boss-Man Bar-B-Que in 2007. Boss-Man Bar-B-Que is a family-owned competitive barbeque team based in Wiggins that focuses on BBQ competitions but also caters and also conduct hands-on barbeque schools throughout the front range.
Stacy and Chuck have separated the business from others like it because of their ability to stay current on Bar-B-Que trends and tastes. This past year Boss-Man Bar-B-Que won multiple awards including 2009 Rocky Mountain Barbecue Association Pork Champion and 2009 Colorado State Pork Champion.
The Martings began working with the SBDC in 2004 to develop a business plan and apply for financing. They struggled to organize their ideas as well as determine what direction to take the business. This is where the SBDC and business plan helped. Stacy and Chuck were able to write down their ideas and work out the kinks, in turn enabling the business to grow. After completing the business plan and related financials, it was much easier for the Martings to approach lenders, and as a result they received a small line of credit and a steady increase in sales. Stacy and Chuck Marting continue to utilize and update their business plan, making it an invaluable management tool years after they started.
Stacy and Chuck have goals of expanding their catering business and schools as well as possible opening a restaurant sometime in the future. Once they are in the financial position to do so, they would also like to contribute to the community by providing donations and scholarship opportunities to people in need in their area. Immediately, however, they hope to build a positive reputation with the community as well as provide additional jobs.
For more information about Boss-Man Bar-B-Que, visit the company website at www.bossmanbbq.com. |
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Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the SBDC program. We have enjoyed working with you. Also, please keep watch for the upcoming event calendar. There are some great initiatives being scheduled for the summer!
Sincerely,
The Staff of the Northeast-East Central Colorado SBDC
www.neeccosbdc.org neecco@coloradosbdc.org
902 7th Avenue, Greeley CO 80631
Ph: 970-352-3661
300 Main Street, Fort Morgan CO 80701
Ph: 970-867-2303 |
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Free Product Trials & Discounts |
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There are a limited number of free trial packages and discount subscriptions at the Greeley office for SBDC clients and partners.
Offers include:
2010 Trial Version of Peachtree, an accounting software program
25% discount on Constant Contact, an email marketing program
If interested , contact Michelle Alden
at 970-352-3661 |
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New Sponsors |
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Kennedy and Coe, LLC www.kcoe.com
Points West Community Bank www.pointswestbank.com
Washington County www.co.washington.co.us
Wray State Bank www.wraystatebank.com |
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Counseling in the Community |
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While administrative offices are located in Greeley and Fort Morgan, business counseling services are available throughout the region. Contact a main office to learn about opportunities in your community:
Kit Carson County
Lincoln County
Logan County
Phillips County
Sedgwick County
Yuma County |
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Talking Business |
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Tune in to 1310 KFKA or listen online at www.1310KFKA.com for info on community initiatives and economic development. Brought to you by the SBDC and Upstate Colorado Economic Development Corp. | |
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