4th Quarter, 2006; Mohawk Valley EDGE Report
Fourth annual Mohawk Valley
Business Plan Competition under way
$10,000 cash first prize, plus services
Entrepreneurs with an innovative idea are being sought to enter the fourth annual Mohawk Valley Business Plan Competition. Entries are due by April 12. The winner will be announced at the Leading EDGE Awards luncheon on May 10 at Hart’s Hill Inn.
The winner of the contest will receive a cash award of $10,000 and additional professional services.
“In just three years, this event has been ingrained in the minds of entrepreneurs in the Mohawk Valley. The energy and enthusiasm this contest has created is evident in the many inquiries EDGE has received in recent months from people looking forward to this year’s contest,” said Steven J. DiMeo, president of Mohawk Valley EDGE.
“A business plan is a critical step in any business venture, and we hope this contest encourages entrepreneurs to take the step to develop a business plan,” Mr. DiMeo continued. The business plan contest is open to individuals who live or attend college in Oneida or Herkimer County, and to companies located in the two counties that are less than two years old with less than $2 million in annual business. Complete rules and information about the business plan contest is posted on the EDGE website at
Movement on the Go, the winner of the 2006 Business Plan contest, has seen a great increase in business as a result of the cash infusion and attention afforded the company by the contest, according to owners Laurie Burns and Denise Collins. 2005 winner Critical Communications continues moving forward with commercializing its wireless connectivity solution. The first Mohawk Valley Business Plan contest winner, in 2004, was Elegrace Caskets, developed by cousins Nick and Jack Rotolo. The company is now in production in Rome. In three years, the business plan contest has had 70 entries, many of which are now in business.