Annual Entrepreneurship Fair scheduled

Van Wert independent/submitted information

The fifth annual Van Wert County Entrepreneurship Fair will be held Saturday, November 9, in The Community Room at Vantage Career Center, 818 N. Franklin St. in Van Wert.  Organizers include representatives from the Ohio State University Extension Van Wert County Economic Development Office, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Van Wert, the Community Improvement Corporation and the Wright State University-Lake Campus’ Business Enterprise Center.

Everyone who dreams of starting a business is encouraged to attend this free event. Registration will begin at 7:45 a.m., with a panel of local entrepreneurs scheduled to share their journey at 8 that morning.  This event will also serve as the kickoff to the third annual Business Plan Challenge. Congratulations once again to the 2013 award winner, Vickie Schulte, owner of Once I Was.

“Congratulations to everyone making the decision to take this challenge,” said Schulte, who recently opened her boutique at 121 S. Washington St. in downtown Van Wert.  “If you have dreamed it and planned it, this event will help you set your dream on the road to becoming a reality.”

The free event offers a wide variety of assistance, counseling and information to budding entrepreneurs and emerging new businesses. There will be speakers on a number of topics, including “The First Steps, Financing and Incentives”, and an “Ask the Experts” session where area professionals will do a question-and-answer period 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 Darlene Myers, county economic development program coordinator.

A special element to the fair is the announcement of the Business Plan Challenge, where individuals looking to begin a business in Van Wert County 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 in February 2014, allowing individuals time to put thought on paper, do the necessary research and to attend business-counseling sessions offered locally by the Lake Campus’ Business Enterprise Center.

It’s a fact that lots of businesses are started during difficult economic times: Burger King, Microsoft and GE, to name a few.  Those area residents looking for a chance to start their own business should take advantage of this excellent opportunity on November 9, from 8 a.m. until noon, at Vantage Career Center.

For more information, call the OSU Extension Van Wert County Economic Development Office at 419.238.2999.