The Transylvania Economic Alliance is pleased to launch the 2016 Transylvania County Business Expansion Competition. Thanks to funding support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, applicants are eligible to compete for a 1st place grant of $15,000 and 2nd place grant of $10,000. Qualifying applicants include private sector businesses located in Transylvania County, City of Brevard and the Town of Rosman. Candidates may include both existing businesses with identified growth opportunities or business startups capable of creating and implementing a business plan. Applicants should submit an online application by Friday, September 9th at 5:00 p.m. Following the initial application deadline all applicants will be notified of their submission’s status in mid-September. Finalists will be asked to present a business pitch to a selection committee on September 29th. The selection committee will select winners based on the quality of the initial application and presentation. A formal announcement of the two winners will take place in Fall, 2016.
To assist potential applicants with the development of successful submissions a networking, information and instructional session is scheduled for Monday August 1st at 12:00 noon and 5:30 p.m. at the Brevard Conference Center (147 E. Main Street, NC Brevard NC 28712). All interested individuals and businesses are encouraged to attend. During this event Alliance staff and community partners will be available to discuss this competition, address specific questions, present best practices as it relates to developing and implementing a successful business idea and if desired to schedule 1-on-1 advisory meetings to address specific needs. Those interested in attending a session are encouraged to RSVP to info@transylvanialliance.com to secure a seat.
The Alliance is especially thankful to the Transylvania County: Planning and Community Development Department for their efforts to identify and help secure the Appalachian Regional Commission grant as well as the expertise and guidance of local economic development allies:
- Blue Ridge Community College-Small Business Center
- Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
- City of Brevard
- Heart of Brevard
- Transylvania County
- Town of Rosman
- Tourism Development Authority
- SCORE
The Transylvania Economic Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to lead responsible economic development through engaging the private and public sectors to develop community assets that are needed to maximize opportunities for investment and quality job creation. For more information about the Alliance please visit www.transylvaniaalliance.com or contact Executive Director, Josh Hallingse at 828-393-4130. To learn more about this grant competition and to submit an application and supporting materials please visit https://www.transylvanialliance.com/business-expansion-competition.
