2018Build UP St. Paul Business Challenge

Challenge Fact Sheet

Invest in yourself, your business dream, and Southwest Virginia

Developing entrepreneurs and the strategic positions of the St Paul Community.

Applications available November 3, 2017

The Opportunity at Hand

Build-UPSt. Paul Business Challenge is a competitive process that will award up to $15,000 in business investment grants for new entrepreneurial venturesand current business expansions with additional job creation in the Town of St. Paul.

This seven-week business training, networking, and mentorship opportunity will result in pitch nights in St. Paul—a community that wants you to succeed.

Once applications are received, up to 15Challengers will be selected to participate in the training program.

Applications must be submitted or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2017.

The Benefits of Participation

Challengers will have the opportunity to compete for cash up to $15,000 as well as earn $100 for just completing the program. Additionally, each participant will develop a deeper understanding of planning for a successful business, be partnered with a mentor and have networking opportunities with other regional entrepreneurs.

Eligible Business Categories

  • Arts and Culture
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • General Retail
  • Restaurants and Hospitality
  • Technology/Advanced Manufacturing
  • Support services for the above

Suggested Businesses

boutique retail; artisan emporium; laundry mat;co-working space/incubator; coffee shop; bakery; diner; professional services, i.e. accountant;consignment shop

Schedule

Date
Nov. 3, 2017 / Applications available
Dec. 15, 2017 / Applications due
Dec. 20, 2017 / Cohort announced
Jan. 9, 2018 / Classes begin
Feb. 20, 2018 / Classes end
Feb. 27, 2018 / ‘Pitch Night’
March 6, 2018 / Business Plan due
March 20, 2018 / Judging completed
March 27, 2018 / Awards Ceremony

Other Program Requirements

While this is a free program and the payoff can be big, there are some conditions:

  1. Selection in the Challenge is a competitive process. To be eligible, you must have a business or business idea that you want to pursue in one of the six categories.
  2. To win one of the competitive awards, you will have to locate your business within the town limits of St. Paul.
  3. If you are selected as part of this inaugural cohort, you will have to commit to participating in six ofseven class sessions and pitch night. In order to receive the $100 award, participants must have perfect attendance. Should a vacancy be created, another participant may be selected to fill that position.
  4. Units of governments are not eligible to participate.

How to Find out More

  • Contact Kathy Stewart: 276-395-0685
  • Visit