The original item was published from October 5, 2016 9:53 AM to October 5, 2016 9:54 AM
Earlier this year, I wrote a blog about how St. Charles County is “Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise.” My purpose was to share how St. Charles County has a wonderful foundation to be Missouri’s leader in economic development – and it is my opinion that we will accomplish this through small business growth and development. In listening to a program last week, I heard that over the past 10 years, Fortune 500 companies in America have cut more than 2 million jobs, while small businesses added 18 million. It is clear who will be creating the jobs of the future, but getting those entrepreneurs to choose St. Charles County for launching their next BIG IDEA is where I see our challenge. To that end, I invite you, or perhaps someone you know, to look at a new event to assist local entrepreneurs.
There is $25,000 up for grabs for entrepreneurs entering to win St. Charles County (STC) Demo Day, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2016, at OPO Startups in St. Charles. Presented by EDC Business & Community Partners, this competition brings cash and prizes to local startups.
A panel of five judges will have $2,000 each to invest in the finalists based upon which idea(s) impress him/her the most. At the conclusion of the presentations, the judges will select a winner and runner up to receive an additional $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Prizes will be awarded to all of the finalists as well.
Applications are being accepted now through Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the St. Charles County (STC) Demo Day website. Entrepreneurs must complete a short application form, submit a business plan and financials for 2015, and projections for 2016. On Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, STC Demo Day finalists will be announced and asked to prepare a pitch for a panel of judges.
Businesses must be new or in the early stages of development, and located within or willing to relocate to St. Charles County. Every industry sector is eligible. For more information, contact OPO Startups Community Manager Megan McKissen at 314-328-4656 or meganm@opostartups.com. Spread the word and help make this an event we can look back on and say to the winning businesses, “I was there when you were just starting!”
Thank you to all small businesses that are choosing to grow and thrive in St. Charles County. Please think before you shop, and when you can Shop Local St. Charles County.