Entrepreneurship Fair coming next month

Van Wert independent/contributor information

The third annual Van Wert County Entrepreneurship Fair will be held Saturday morning, November 12, in the First Federal Lecture Hall at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Organizers, including representatives from the Ohio State University Extension Economic Development Office, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Van Wert, the Van Wert Area Business Innovation Center and Wright State University Lake Campus Business Enterprise Center, encourage all who dream of starting a business attend this free event.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a panel of local entrepreneurs scheduled to share their journey at 9 a.m. This event will also serve as the kick-off to the first area Business Plan Competition.

The fair, which was last held in February 2010, offers a wide variety of assistance, counseling and information to budding entrepreneurs and emerging new businesses. There will be speakers on topics including: The First Steps, Financing, Marketing and Business Opportunities, and an Ask the Experts session where area professionals will conduct a question-and-answer session with the audience.

“Entrepreneurship is a top priority for all the organizations hosting this event, because we know many of the micro businesses will stay and grow in the area, strengthening our economic base and creating more jobs over time,” said Nancy Bowen, OSU Extension economic development director.

This year a special element has been added to the fair … a business plan competition. This will be the kick-off to the first competition where individuals can create, submit and present a business plan to a panel of judges for the chance to win up to $2,500 in business development funds. The award will be presented at the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner to be held in February 2012. This allows individuals time to put thought on paper, do the necessary research and attend business-counseling sessions.

Sponsors know that many big businesses were started during difficult economic times: Burger King, Microsoft and GE to name a few. Local residents looking for a chance to start their own business should take advantage of this excellent opportunity on November 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information on starting a business, call the OSU Extension Economic Development Office at 419.238.2999, or check out its website at www.whyvanwert.org for downloadable forms and information on classes, including the “Starting Right” class held each month.