Applicants sought for business competition

October 26, 2015

Applications are due Nov. 2 for a national business strategy competition sponsored in the Interior by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and the Alaska chapter of SCORE, an organization that promotes small business success.

Extension economic development specialist Kathryn Dodge said the InnovateHER competition provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase products and services that have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families, have a potential for commercialization and fill a need in the marketplace.

Top-scoring applicants will be asked to submit a business strategy, and selected applicants may present it to a panel of judges Nov. 14 in Fairbanks. The winning business strategy will receive assistance in developing a business plan to be forwarded to the Small Business Administration, which will select 10 finalists nationally to travel to Washington, D.C., and compete for first-, second- and third-place prizes, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.

The application is available at https://alaska.score.org or from Dodge at kdodge@alaska.edu. Participants must be at least 18 years old, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and meet other eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Dodge at 474-6497 or by email.

SCORE is a national nonprofit group dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses. The organization is formerly known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives.