Entrepreneur Day Event On Friday, April 24, 2009 Eastern Oregon University Small Business Development Center hosted its second Entrepreneur Day and Business Plan Competition. It was a “Free” event for those with an idea for starting a small business to those in business who wanted to sharpen their business skills. The day was a fun-filled time and focused on strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners operating in Eastern Oregon. It included a business plan competition, professional development courses and a fair showcase, exhibiting what’s best in our rural communities.
“Entrepreneur Day provides a great opportunity for small business owners to learn best practices from some of the finest professional in our area,” said Michael Jaeger, Provost of Eastern Oregon University. “Once again it was a grand success.”
Business Plan Competition
Prize money was awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, along with the covenanted “Most Innovative Idea Award”. The prize money was donated by local financial institutions with their executives serving on the judging panel.
“The Entrepreneur Day Business Plan Competition was just what we needed to think deeply about our marketing strategy and get serious about writing a formal business plan. It was an awesome experience with a very tangible result – a functional business plan to guide our day-to-day decision making,” stated Angie Johnson, Canyon Mountain Foods, LLC. “We are very grateful to the sponsors of this competition, as well as those who taught the entrepreneurship classes. It was a fun, rewarding event!”
Professional Development Courses
Entrepreneurs were able to drink from the fountain of knowledge offered through the teaching of 23 professional development courses. Courses include: How to Finance a Business Idea, Government Contracting Opportunities, Marketing on a Shoe String, Hiring Your First Employee and Cash Flow Management. As with the competition and fair, the courses are free of charge.
“Old West Federal Credit Union was excited to be part of such an effective and important program that’s made available to local business owners. I think it’s critical, most certainly in these economic times, that small business owners are aware of the many resources and tools available to them,” stated Ken Olson, President/CEO of Old West Federal Credit Union. “Local businesses need to know that Old West and other local lenders are committed to the economic success of Eastern Oregon. When small business is successful, so in turn are the local lenders.”
Business Fair Showcase
More than 50 professional service booths, along with a showcase of what’s best in Eastern Oregon, were on display. This was an opportunity for entrepreneurs to visit, one-on-one, with small business professionals and get answers to their questions. It was something that both business owners and people thinking of going into business were able to take advantage of. It was beneficial to work through the business plan process, attend the professional classes and be stimulated from all of the energy that will be produced,” said Diana Ricker of Primos Pizza & D!!’s Fun Center.
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