The Berkeley County Development Authority (BCDA) is launching its Build-Up Berkeley Competition, an initiative that aims to help new and existing businesses learn to thrive in our local economy.
The Build-Up Berkeley program will combine an educational series where entrepreneurs will learn concepts and tools for running a successful business and a competition portion where participants will submit a business plan and pitch to a panel of judges. Four prizes will be awarded to the competition winners. The Grand Prize winner will receive $10,000 from our platinum sponsor CNB Bank, a branding package provided by SC Studios, and a one-year membership to the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce. The second-place winner will receive $3,000, the third-place winner will receive $2,000, and the People’s Choice winner will be awarded $1,000.
The BCDA will take registrations from businesses located in Berkeley County from August 11th at 8:00 a.m. until August 25th at 5:00 p.m. The program is limited to 10 participants who will be notified by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1st. The educational sessions will take place once a week from September 14th to October 26th. Participants who complete the educational sessions will receive credit through Blue Ridge Community & Technical College and will also receive professionally edited headshots provided by SC Studios. Business plans will be submitted by October 26th at 5:00 p.m. and competitors will pitch to the panel of judges on November 2nd with winners being selected that same evening. This event is open to the public from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
To be eligible, a business must be a new or existing for-profit business and headquartered in Berkeley County. Only one applicant from each business may participate and they should have a founder or cofounder status within the company. Each participant is responsible for completing the educational series, attending all necessary meetings, and submitting a complete business plan. To see a list of all eligibility rules and requirements, visit https://www.developmentauthority.com/build-up-berkeley/.
The BCDA is proud and excited to offer this program to the local businesses in the community and are grateful to all those who have been a part of helping to build it. Executive Director, Jennifer Smith says,
“The Berkeley County Development Authority is really excited about the inaugural Build-Up Berkeley Program. Participants will benefit greatly from the education series, getting the tools necessary for a business to succeed. Successful businesses create a better Berkeley County.”
“The excitement from the community for Build-Up Berkeley has been incredible. Everyone we have reached out to for help has loved the idea and jumped at the opportunity to help. I’m looking forward to seeing the submissions and what new business or businesses we can help get started here in Berkeley County. Hopefully, this can become an annual event that Berkeley County can take pride in,” adds Abe Ashton, BCDA Board President.
To learn more about The Build-Up Berkeley Competition, visit https://www.developmentauthority.com/build-up-berkeley/.
About the BCDA
The Berkeley County Development Authority is located at 300 Foxcroft Avenue Suite 201 in Martinsburg, WV. “Our mission is to facilitate the growth of business in the county. We are a local agency that assists businesses as they consider the many advantages of moving to or expanding operations in Berkeley County. Our goal is to connect you with the many opportunities that our county has to offer.” https://www.developmentauthority.com/
