Big Idea contest was big hit in county

The Big Idea Contest, which ran during the month of February, proved to be a big hit in Jefferson County.

Sponsored locally by Progress Alliance through a partnership with the MCBI Regional Incubator for Entrepreneurs and TechGROWTH Ohio, the contest drew 17 entries, one of the highest totals in the nine participating counties.

“This contest was designed to encourage new and existing businesses and prospective entrepreneurs with an innovative idea to compete for cash and business services,” said Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance. “The fantastic response and the creative ideas submitted prove the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Jefferson County.”

Looman noted the entries cover a wide range of ideas.

“There are several that fit in the high tech category and others tied to the food industry,” he said. “I am extremely impressed with the creativity shown by folks entering and Progress Alliance looks forward to working with all the contest participants.”

Jessica Sherman, regional coordinator for the MCBI based in Zanesville, said the Jefferson County winner will be announced next week.  The county winner will receive $500 cash along with more than $2,000 in business services. In addition, the winner will compete for additional prizes and services at the regional level and will be able to attend a series of free business plan workshops conducted by the MCBI.

“The response from Jefferson County was outstanding,” Sherman said. “Our goal was to provide the people of a nine-county region with a forum to develop an idea for a new, innovative product, service or application. We certainly achieved our goal in Jefferson County.”

Sherman has put together an advisory board throughout the region to judge contest entries. The Jefferson County winner will be selected by board members outside of the county. John Riley, president of Kwik King Food Stores, and Jim Emmerling, president of EM-Media, represent Jefferson County on the advisory board.

Looman added each contestant will be contacted to schedule a counseling session to start the process of developing the idea.  Each contestant also will be encouraged to participate in the upcoming Business Plan Boot Camp sponsored by the MCBI and designed to help the contestants develop their business plan.

Business services for the county winner will be provided by Blake, Hershey and Bednar Attorneys at Law, Tri-State Financial Services, Minor Insurance, D’Anniballe and Company Inc. and EM-Media.

Tri-State Financial, Minor Insurance and The Herald Star served as the primary sponsors of the county contest.

Other counties involved include Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum and Noble. 

 (For More Information, Contact Progress Alliance At 283-2476.)