FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Amber Fischvogt, Program Director
CEDC
500 Franklin Street
Columbus, Indiana 47201
(812) 379-4457


High School Business Planning Competition to Spotlight Young Innovators

Columbus, IN – This fall CEDC and the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce are excited to present The Maverick Challenge – High School Business Planning Competition. This competition will focus on area high school and home schooled students who are juniors and seniors in Bartholomew County, Indiana.

The Maverick Challenge aims to further develop the innovative spirit of Bartholomew County by reaching out to high school students and showing them viable career opportunities through entrepreneurship. Students will compete individually or on a team of up to three students for a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000.

Students will have access to workshops and online tools needed to take their idea from a concept and develop it into a full business plan. After students turn in a written business plan, the top plans will then be presented to successful entrepreneurs and small business service providers.

“This is a great opportunity to help students learn about viable career opportunities through entrepreneurship, and to network with and be mentored by entrepreneurs in our community,” stated Amber Fischvogt, Program Director of CEDC. “It’s also a way to spotlight the young innovators we have in our region.”

Top prize for the competition will be $5,000. The winning plan will receive $4,500 and a $500 designation to the high school club of their choice. A second prize of $1,500 will also be given.

If you are interested in learning more about The Maverick Challenge, please visit www.cedcorp.com/maverickchallenge. Deadline to enter the competition is Friday, September 19, 2008.