Hardworking business start-ups and would-be entrepreneurs take note: organizers of Start-Up 2014 have set dates for the second annual contest that celebrates entrepreneurialism in the Seacoast region. Applications from start-up businesses are due April 8, 2014. Finalists will be announced at a reception hosted by the Bank of New Hampshire April 22; and the final judging will be held May 8.
Start-Up 2014 is a business competition created to help grow young, technology-focused businesses and draw attention to the strong business environment of New Hampshire’s Seacoast. The winning idea and business plan will receive a prize package valued at $25,000 inclusive of cash and in-kind services.
The competition is currently recruiting sponsors for the event and plans to issue a call for entries in early March. Last year, 37 businesses entered the competition and seven finalists were chosen for the Shark Tank-like final round of judging in front of more than 200 spectators. The judges also designated one “Rising Star,” a high school student.
“We received innovative business plans from entrants across the state,“ said Mary Ellen Humphrey, economic development specialist for the City of Rochester, one of the founding sponsors of the event. The winner, Kinetic Surface Control, was featured on the cover of Business New Hampshire magazine.
“The contest helped propel several other finalists into the spotlight,” Humphrey added. “That’s exactly what we want Start-Up 2014 to do – to highlight the region’s atmosphere of innovation and creativity and great pool of talent.”
Start-Up 2014 is organized by the Rochester Division of Community & Economic Development and the abi HUB based in Manchester. For more information, contact the Rochester Division of Community & Economic Development, 603-335-7522.
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