2017 Englewood Quality of Life Business Plan Competition
Published: October 6, 2017
For competition information contact:
Jim Harbin, Coordinator: 773-908-8971 Email: jim.harbin3@gmail.com
For Immediate Release
$40,000 IN CASH PRIZES SLATED FOR ENGLEWOOD SMALL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS
Walter Robb, businessman and philanthropist and Teamwork Englewood partner to reward entrepreneurs with great business ideas that will generate economic growth for the south side community.
Chicago (September 2017) Walter Robb, business and philanthropist and Teamwork Englewood, an Englewood community based organization, issued a “Call for Entries” today for local small business owners and entrepreneurs with for-profit innovative Englewood tailored business ideas to participate in the “Englewood Quality of Life Business Plan Competition”. Eligible applicants will compete for a total of $40K in cash prizes that will be awarded to multiple businesses.
The competition serves as a kick-start for local entrepreneurs and small business owners with innovative ideas to launch or expand their ventures. Participants are required to create or refine their business plans in preparation to build a viable business that is needed in Englewood. Collaborating business development organizations will provide applicants with FREE pre-competition top-tier business plan creation seminars and coaching.
“This is an opportunity for fledging businesses to ramp-up their game and receive excellent supportive services in addition to having an opportunity to win BIG cash prizes to advance their business,” said Perry Gunn, executive director, Teamwork Englewood. "We seek the best talent with the brightest new ideas from the community to help create a vibrant and sustainable business district in the heart of Englewood.”
The competition is presented by the Englewood Quality of Life Plan Jobs and Economic Development Task Force in collaboration with the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce and are charged with identifying emerging businesses that are crucial for building a thriving enterprise zone in Englewood. Task force members along a selection committee comprised of local business leaders and educators, will evaluate applicant submissions. Finalists will participate in a culminating, open to the public, “Pitch Competition” on Thursday, December 14th, that will feature a Blue Ribbon panel of judges. Walter Robb is the lead sponsor and originator of the competition.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the Englewood Quality of Life Business Plan Completion Information Session that will be held 9:30am-11am Tuesday, September 19th at Kusanya Cafe, Friday, September 22nd at Greater Englewood CDC from noon-1:30pm and Wednesday, September 27th at St. Andrew's Temple starting at 5:30pm. Additional information can be obtained at: www.teamworkenglewood.org or call: (773) 488-6600. Englewood Quality Life Business Plan Competition
Competition Collaborators
Creative Genius Law, Marquette Bank, PNC Bank, Women's Business Development Center, The Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation, The Private Bank, Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Chicago, I & S Wine and Spirits, Callahan Funeral Home, Greater St, John AME Church, Jim Harbin, Englewood Brews, BoomBox Chicago.
About Teamwork Englewood
Teamwork was formed in 2003 as part of the New Communities Program, sponsored by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the MacArthur Foundation. Its goal is to unite the many organizations serving Englewood residents and work toward the common goal of building a stronger community.
Created by St. Bernard Hospital, Greater Englewood Parish United Methodist Church and Pullman Bank Initiatives (a subsidiary of the former Park National Bank), Teamwork Englewood drew input from more than 600 residents to draft a “Quality of Life Plan” – a roadmap to a brighter future for Englewood. For more information, please visit: www.teamworkenglewood.org
###
