Overview - BPC

In 2006, the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) launched its first Business Plan Competition with multiple goals in mind: to help raise awareness in the community about small businesses and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention, and earn financial rewards.

According to BDCC Executive Director Jeffrey Lewis, "The finalists represented a wide and inventive vein of creativity in Windham County, and the contest was such a success, we knew we had to make it an annual event."

"Also in 2006, we noticed that it was difficult to compare business plans submitted for new business ideas against plans submitted by already established businesses," says Lewis. "Understandably, the existing businesses stood out more favorably. Yet we want to encourage growth in both segments. So, we offer two prize categories -- one for Existing Businesses and one for New Businesses -- so that we can include more contestants and, thus, increase our impact on jump-starting new business growth and job creation in the region."

"I think [the Business Plan Competition] is one of the most creative ways to encourage new business development that I have heard of. There are so many potential entrepreneurs in Southern Vermont that need guidance, direction, and financial support. Operating much like a neural net, these entrepreneurs could have a major impact on Brattleboro's economy. BDCC and the Business Plan Competition seem to me to be the ideal vehicles for making that happen."

-- Nancy Cain, Against The Grain Gourmet, Brattleboro, Vermont

Profiles are available of the 2006 winners, 2007 winners and 2008 winners.

BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Windham County. Our primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity, and improves the quality of life of all the county's residents. Read more about BDCC...