Have an idea for a new business? There's no better time than the present to pursuit it.

A business plan competition awarding $6,000 in cash prizes will be
conducted by the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs, according to
Denise Durenberger, executive director of the business incubator.

First place will earn $5000 in startup costs. Second place will
receive $1000. Client memberships from the BCE will be awarded to the top three contestants. The financial awards are being underwritten by Reichenbach & Steiner CPAs and Sielschott, Walsh, Keifer & Regula CPAs.

Durenberger explains that the contest is open to start-up businesses
and emerging businesses that are less than three years old. "The competition teaches entrepreneurs to write a business plan that will
help them improve their existing business or to successfully start a
new one," Durenberger notes.

The program begins with a free introductory session, "Launch Your
Business Right," which will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, at
Bluffton University's Marbeck Center and at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, April 13, at Bluffton Town Hall; the second option follows the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

The introduction and five additional seminars will be taught by Kathy
Keller of the Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State
College. Keller will teach participants how to complete a business
plan suitable for presentation to lenders or investors. Class topics
include business planning, testing business ideas, marketing and
accounting.

Classes and a presentation practice session will be held at Bluffton
University on Tuesday evenings from April 17 through May 22. Final
presentations and judging will be conducted on June 2.

To R.S.V.P. for the introductory session, request materials, or make
other inquiries, phone 419-358-6400 or e-mail
[email protected]. Materials are also available at
www.blufftonentrepreneurs.com. To enroll in the competition,
individuals must complete the BCE entry form and submit a $150
application fee; the student fee is $75. The deadline to enter the
contest is April 17.

The competition sponsors are locally-owned CPA firms who are focused on growing and supporting local businesses. The offices of Reichenbach & Steiner CPAs are located in Bluffton; Sielschott, Walsh, Keifer & Regula CPAs have offices in Bluffton and Lima.

The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs (BCE) is a not-for-profit
business incubator offering support services and professional guidance to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Putnam counties.

BCE clients receive customized mentoring, networking opportunities and access to developmental resources including Bluffton University faculty, student interns and affordable office space. The center is located in the Colonial Surface Solutions building at 505 E. Jefferson St. Bluffton.