If you have a great idea for a business, now’s your chance to make it reality.
Season four of Shuswap Launch-A-Preneur, a Dragon’s Den-style business development competition designed by Okanagan College Enactus, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society and Community Futures Shuswap, is about to begin.
The purpose of the program is to assist individuals and teams to successfully plan and launch their business in the Shuswap, while competing for prize packages.
“The most amazing part of the Shuswap Launch-a-Preneur program is how our community comes together to support these teams,” says Lana Fitt, economic development manager. “The support extends well beyond the program and the prize packages and sees our community following their progress for years to come. The whole Shuswap gets behind these entrepreneurs and creates a supportive environment to foster their start-up.”
The program is divided into two stages: training and competition.
The first stage consists of a series of six evening workshops supplemented with resources and business mentors to assist participants to validate their business model and prepare a detailed business plan.
The second stage is an optional final night competition, where participating teams compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and in-kind donations designed to assist with business start-ups in the Shuswap.
Teams can be comprised of individuals or groups working on developing the same business concept.
Participants must have access to the Internet, basic computer skills, and plan to operate their business within the Shuswap.
Business start-ups that have been in operation for less than 18 months are also eligible to participate.
To find out more or to register, go to www.launch-a-preneur.ca. Registration for the program closes Feb. 28.