By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
A new 10-week program to help entrepreneurs began last week under the guidance of Great Bend Economic Development. CO.STARTERS is helping aspiring entrepreneurs get their business off the ground.
Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger hopes the classes lead to even more turnout for the 2nd annual Ignite Rural Business Competition this fall. An idea, business plan and presentation could see entrepreneurs get rewarded with financial support to start their business.
"We have $95,000 in prize money that was made possible by selling Network Kansas tax credits," said Arnberger. "First-place prize winner will get $50,000 to start their business in Barton County. Second place gets $30,000 and third place gets $10,000. The People's Choice award winner will get an additional $5,000."
Anyone interested in participating in the Ignite Rural Business Competition need to sign up by June 13. The “Shark Tank” inspired competition will feature three finalists competing for the prize money in October.
"We're very excited about the buzz this program has received around the state," said Arnberger. "We're also excited about the entrepreneurs already signed up and the conversations had."
Sign up information can be found gbedinc.com.