By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Great Bend Economic Development has created a funneling system for entrepreneurship. There is the Entrepreneurial Mindset classes, designed to provide education and support for individuals exploring entrepreneurship. Then there is the CO.STARTERS Core initiative, a 10-week program to prepare citizens’ new business for success.
Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said the CO.STARTERS class recently finished with six individuals completing the program.
"Of those six, we have several that will be moving on to our IGNITE competition," said Arnberger. "We're thrilled about that. They have some great, new business ideas. I know that we are going to be seeing some successful new businesses start up very shortly. We're excited about that."
Finally in the entrepreneurship cycle is the IGNITE Rural Business competition. A "Shark Tank” inspired competition allowing start-up businesses, IGNITE Rural Business offers prize money as entrepreneurs pitch their business plans.
With the finals taking place in front of a live audience and judges on Oct. 9, the deadline to apply for the competition is July 1.