City staff and members of the Redevelopment Commission held two seminars to help people get ready for the Small Business Plan Competition. 

The competition is open to all small businesses who want to start or grow their business in the West Greenville or Center City areas of town. Winners of the competition receive grants up to $30,000 to help in the endeavor. Should the businesses fail to remain open in those locations for three years, the grants transfer to loans and must be repaid (pro-rated).

Staff reviewed what the competition is, the requirements for it, and how it works. Members of the Commission, who also judge the applications, discussed what they are looking for when awarding the grants and what to avoid. Representatives of PCC and ECU's Small Business Business Technology Center were on hand to talk about free educational resources available to small businesses.

Anyone interested in the Business Plan Competition can click here for more details.