Burlington County College to host Startup Star contest in search of aspiring entrepreneurs
Burlington County College, Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce and TD Bank are sponsoring this year’s Startup Star competition — a business plan contest designed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Encouraging young people to start businesses in Burlington County helps support the long-term vision of our workforce development initiative. Successful startups create jobs,” Burlington County Freeholder Director Mary Anne O’Brien said. “As a small business owner, I know how important it is for entrepreneurs to have access to resources and support services for growth — this contest connects the next generation of business owners to these valuable resources and services.”
The contest is open to BCC students and alumni, Burlington County high school students and students attending a four-year university on one of BCC’s campuses.
“With support of many sponsors, Burlington County College is building on the success of last year’s initial competition by offering students additional resources, like mentors from the Chamber, to complement the education portion of the competition,” said BCC Interim President Dr. David Spang. “BCC takes its role in growing a healthy local economy very seriously — whether its educating tomorrow’s business leaders, providing customized training programs, supporting small businesses at the incubators or helping entrepreneurs build contacts through our network of private and public partnerships.”
A limited number of participants who register by Friday, Jan. 23 at bcc.edu/startupstar can be eligible for a coach from the BCRCC. Coaches will be available on a first come, first served basis. The business plan executive summary template, which is a required component of the contest, is also available on the website. Executive summaries must be submitted online by Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 5 p.m.
“Mentoring future business men and women is very important to the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce and we are pleased to support programs that inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said BCRCC President Kristi M. Howell-Ikeda. “This is an exciting opportunity for students to gain real-life business experience that will help propel them to future success.”
The top two finalists from each group will be invited to compete for first and second place recognition and prizes at the finale on Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at the BCC Mount Laurel campus. Finalists must prepare five minute presentations to introduce their business concepts to a panel of expert judges and audience members.
For more information about the contest and how to register, please contact the Incubators at BCC at (856) 222–9311, ext. 2800 or visit bcc.edu/startupstar. For more information about coaches, please contact the BCRCC at president@bcrcc.com or (856) 439–2520.