Culpeper Competes is designed to encourage and develop an entrepreneurial spirit through business development education and mentorships to guide participants through the process of launching or growing their business.
Courses will be presented virtually. Course participation is required to compete. Please be prepared to have access to high speed internet during scheduled course times.
| May 25, 2023 | Application due |
|---|---|
| May 31 – July 26, 2023 (Wednesday nights from 6:00pm – 8:00pm EST) | Required Virtual Courses |
| August 2, 2023 | Pitch Prep and Open House |
| August 4, 2023 (5:00pm EST) | Submit Detailed Business Plan |
| August 9, 2023 | Pitch Competition (In-person) |
Awards
The competition will award up to $30,000 in business investment grants for start-up and existing businesses looking to expand with additional job creation in the Town of Culpeper, Virginia.The $30,000 business investment grants will be proportionately divided between multiple winners.
Example Business Categories
- Accomodations (i.e. hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, inn)
- Agritourism (farm retail shop and or consumer services)
- Arts, Entertainment, Experiential
- Cultural, Educational, Instructional
- Financial and Business Services
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Healthcare/Wellness
- Information Technology, SaaS, Communications
- Life Sciences, Biotech, Biomedicine
- Light Manufacturing
- Other
- Personal Care (i.e. beauty/barbershop, nail salon, dry cleaner, spa)
- Recreation
- Restaurant/Food Service
- Retail
Competitors will:
- Virtually attend eight required business development courses, Wednesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm EST
- Develop and submit a detailed business plan for scoring
- Meet with experienced mentors from -Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CVSBDC)
- Pitch competition is in person at the Town’s Economic Development Center, 803 S. Main Street, Culpeper, VA, 22701
Competitors will be judged based on:
- Eligible finalists will deliver a pitch presentation to a highly-regarded panel of professionals
- Sales pitch
- Oral presentation
- Clarity and quality of written business plan
- Market analysis
- Financial analysis
Required Operational Footprint
Culpeper Competes competition grant recipients are required to operate their new and or expanding business within the following designated area.
The Town of Culpeper Economic Development and Tourism Department made this program possible through partnership with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center. The program builds on business support strategies, placing the community at the heart of entrepreneurial and small business development.
For additional information, please contact:
Tori Buell, (540) 729 – 4657 or [email protected]
OR
Shira Goldeen, (434) 214 – 4556 or [email protected]
