Berwick: The Next Step and Berwick Businesses to Offer $20K Prize Package to Aspiring Entrepreneur

Promotional flyer (pdf)
Official contest rules (pdf)
Application (pdf)

Berwick: The Next Step (BNS) is excited to announce its first Business Pitch Competition. Partnering with Wilkes University’s Small Business Development Center, BNS brings this unique opportunity to aspiring entrepreneurs interested in opening a new business in downtown Berwick.

Entrepreneurs wishing to compete must submit a letter of intent and application by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. Selected participants will be notified by Jan. 6 and given an opportunity to present their idea to a panel of judges on Jan. 13. Competition finalists will then work with Wilkes University’s Small Business Development Center over the course of six weeks to develop a business plan. That plan will be reviewed for feedback by a panel of judges in March, and final pitches will take place the first week of April.

Competitors will be judged on several criteria, including business innovation. The winner of this competition will receive a prize package valued at more than $20,000 (which will include subsidized rent, access to $10,000 in low-interest loans, a six-month internet credit, a gift card for printing materials, as well as several professional services, including legal and accounting.)

For applications, rules, and more information, email Josh Nespoli or visit columbiamontourchamber.com/berwickbizpitch.

Partnering Businesses include:
Atlantic Broadband
Berwick Industrial Development Association
Campbell Printing
Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
First Keystone Community Bank
Law Offices of Lutz & Petty
ND Accounting & Consulting PC
Walker’s Jewelers
Wilkes University Small Business Development Center
and partnering agencies for Berwick: The Next Step