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“Once again, local organizations of all kinds recognize the importance of developing entrepreneurial talent in Rhode Island, and we are grateful for their continued and generous support,” said competition co-chair Garrett B. Hunter, president of the contest founder Business Development Company of Rhode Island. “We are especially excited to have Johnson & Wales joining us as co-organizer.”
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PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Business Plan Competition today launched its 2009 season, offering $150,000 in prizes for local students and entrepreneurs.
New this year will be the addition of Johnson & Wales University as a co-organizer, along with the nonprofit Business Development Company of Rhode Island (BDCRI), the contest’s chief organizer since its founding in 2000.
“Over the last eight years, the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition has been a decisive, positive influence on local entrepreneurs, and has helped winners secure additional funding and grow,” said contest co-chair David Mitchell, dean of the College of Business at JWU. “We look forward to building on this tradition.”
The 2009 event – like the $165,000 contest whose winners were announced this spring at Business Expo 2008 (READ MORE) – will feature prizes for winners and finalists in the entrepreneur and student tracks.
It has the support of two dozen Rhode Island organizations, from public agencies to public and private companies, universities and colleges, organizers said. Sponsors include Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP; Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co. Ltd.; Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP; Embolden Design; Johnson & Wales University; and Nortek Inc.
“Once again, local organizations of all kinds recognize the importance of developing entrepreneurial talent in Rhode Island, and we are grateful for their continued and generous support,” said competition co-chair Garrett B. Hunter, the president of BDCRI. “We are especially excited to have Johnson & Wales joining us as co-organizer.”
Free workshops for potential entrants – hosted by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce – will begin Oct. 29. The third annual $1,000 Rhode Island Elevator Pitch Contest is slated for Dec. 4.
Additional information about the 2009 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition – including contest rules and guidelines, application procedures and business-planning resources – is available from the nonprofit Business Development Company of Rhode Island (BCDRI) at www.ri-bizplan.com.
