The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) has announced the finalists in the 2017 RDBN startup business contest, which gives participants a chance to win cash and prizes to boost their business.
According to the RDBN, entrants provided a business plan introducing their new business or business idea, and the entries were judged on the strength of their business planning.
“We were pleased with the number of quality entries received, representing a wide range of businesses,” said Bill Miller, RDBN Chair. “We look forward to watching these businesses develop and appreciate the contribution each makes to our region.”
The five finalists chosen by the selection panel are:
- Happy Jacks Restaurant and Pub, Jordan Porth;
- Honeysuckle Farm, Leanne Miranda;
- Just Boer’d N Dreamin, Donna Davidson;
- Pitter Patter Boutique, Amelia Mattson and Ryan Coltura;
- Vettopetmobile, Kim Hunter.
Each of the finalists chosen has received a prize package and the chance to present their business idea at the Regional Business Forum being held at the Burns Lake Band’s Gathering Place on Sept. 19, 2017.
Attendees of the forum will listen to the pitches and help to select the winner of the contest. The grand prize winner, which will receive $8750 cash plus $8100 in services and supplies, will be selected and announced at the gala dinner on Sept. 19 at the Rod and Gun Club.
In addition to the finalists and winner prize package, one contest entrant will be randomly selected to win a two-hour business consultation.
“We are grateful for the many businesses and organizations that have made this contest possible through their generous sponsorship,” said Miller.
A full list of prize packages and sponsors are available at www.rdbn.bc.ca/startupbusinesscontest.
Previous contest winner Mel McCutcheon with Bare Hands Landscaping & Design credits the RDBN start-up business contest for giving her business more of a boost than she could have expected.
“I had no idea the amount of demand that would come after winning the 2012 contest,” she said. “The process of doing the business plan was so beneficial and allowed me to anticipate the unforeseeable; now I update my business plan annually.”
To support the finalists, the public is invited to attend the Regional Business Forum or gala dinner by registering at www.rdbn.bc.ca/businessforum.