HOULTON – The Houlton Entrepreneur Challenge kick-off seminar held Sept. 1 drew more than 30 participants. Nearly a dozen of the partners were also on hand for the session.
There were several local people present for the educational program in addition to some who drove two or more hours to attend. The “Starting Your Maine Business” seminar kicked off the contest.
Those participating in the challenge will need to submit a two- to three-page concept of their business idea by Friday, Sept. 16. Those need to be turned in by 4 p.m. to Nancy Ketch, community development director, Town of Houlton, 21 Water St. in Houlton. Contestants submitting concepts will present a 5-minute oral “pitch” to the Selection Committee the following week to determine who will move forward to Phase II.
Phase II of the contest begins with a “Creating Your Maine Business Plan” seminar which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Houlton Higher Education Center. This is a change in date from what was previously published. For those participating in the Houlton Entrepreneur Challenge, attendance at this seminar is required. It is, however, open to all those interested in the topic. Those interested should register by contacting Nancy Ketch at 521-5938 or comm.development@houlton-maine.com.
The Business Plan seminar will be presented again by Josh Nadeau, Small Business Development Center Director at Northern Maine Development Commission, from 6-8 p.m. This session is designed to assist challenge participants as they prepare their Business Plans which must be submitted by Nov. 23 as part of the contest or to help anyone in developing a business plan for their own business.
The Houlton Entrepreneur Challenge is a contest featuring a $35,000 incentive package that includes a $25,000 forgivable loan and donated services by several area businesses. The challenge is presented by the town, Southern Aroostook Development Corporation (SADC) and major financial partner Machias Savings Bank. It is open for new business ideas, existing businesses with a new idea Contact: Nancy Ketch, Community Development Director phone (207) 521-5938, cell (207) 694-1399 or email comm.development@houlton-maine.com or expansion plan, as well as businesses outside the area who are interested in opening an operation in Houlton.
Further information on the Houlton Entrepreneur Challenge is available on the town’s website at www.houlton-maine.com or SADC’s web site at www.sadcaroostook.org. Program manuals with all pertinent information can be downloaded from these web sites. Copies are also available at the Houlton Town Office, Machias Savings Bank Houlton Branch and other locations around town.
Information is also available by calling Nancy Ketch, Houlton community development director at (207) 521- 5938 or Jon McLaughlin, SADC executive director at (207) 521- 0157.
