March 10, 2010 (St. Louis, MO) - The number of applicants who entered the St. Louis Regional Business Plan Competition, presented by St. Louis County Economic Council and sponsored by Edward Jones, is an indication that entrepreneurship abounds in the region. The deadline for submitting the initial application ended 5 p.m., March 9, 2010 with Economic Council collecting nearly 200 applications.“St. Louis County is pleased to partner with Edward Jones in the St. Louis Regional Business Plan Competition to help small business owners succeed, so they can achieve the American Dream," said St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley.
"The response has been tremendous and shows the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in our region," said Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones. "We're proud to be part of this innovative project."
This is the first time an economic development agency and a national company have partnered to support small business in the State of Missouri. The competition promotes entrepreneurship and the development of startup and early-stage companies within the region. Monetary prizes of $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000, provided by Edward Jones, will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.
Additionally, many other leading companies are donating professional services to the winners in the legal, accounting, marketing, and mentoring fields. These businesses include Thompson Coburn, Carmody MacDonald, Armstrong Teasdale, Rubin Brown, Larson Allen, UHY Advisors, Fleishman Hillard, Brighton Agency, Standing Partnership, and Innovate Venture Mentoring Service.
Six finalists will be judged by local business leaders, and winners will be announced June 1, 2010. Edward Jones also has committed to supporting the competition for the next two years.
About St. Louis County Economic CouncilFounded in 1984, St. Louis County Economic Council serves as the county’s economic development agency, driving growth and prosperity in the most economically important county in Missouri. As the only economic development agency in the state to hold the esteemed Accredited Economic Development Organization from the International Economic Development Council, it provides a broad range of services through its six divisions: business development, business finance, economic development collaborative, real estate and community development, St. Louis Enterprise Centers, and World Trade Center Saint Louis. |
