Entries are sought for KC (Keith County) Business Launch, an entrepreneur contest.

The goal of the program is to help support economic growth in Keith County, Nebraska, by stimulating entrepreneurship and supporting business expansion in the western county. Participants are required to be a new startup business or an existing business that has been in operation in the county for no more than 5 years.

A $5,000 cash prize, as well as approximately $3,000 of in-kind donations,  will be awarded to one (or more than one, if the judges so choose) contestants. Applications will be accepted starting November 1, 2019. Those who advance in the competition will benefit even if not select for a top prize. Budding entrepreneurs will participate in a class on writing a business plan. They also will be mentored by professionals who will provide expertise in areas which may need assistance, in hopes of helping entrepreneurs turn dreams into reality and create a better future for western Nebraska.

Sponsorships are gathered. 

Sponsorship money used for winner(s) prize money. Marketing begins in September. 

Other costs associated with program: business writing plan registration costs (3 credit hours $330), marketing, books for course, advisory night and orientation miscellaneous expenses. 

The application process is open from November 1, 2019 through December 2, 2019. No late applications accepted.

 Judges meet and choose semi-finalists first week of December. 

On December, 11, 2019, an orientation is held giving the semi-finalists a change to meet each other, ask questions, and review rules of the competition. A liaison to the semi-finalists is appointed as the contact to answer any questions. 

Semi-finalists register for on-line Business Writing Plan class which begins January 13, 2020, and concludes March 6, 2020. The writing plan course is mandatory. If semi-finalists drop out, they are responsible for cost of the class. 

On February 12, 2020, an advisory night will be held for all semi-finalists. Advisory night is a time to meet area entrepreneurs and ask questions. A panel is assembled consisting of a banker, accountant, and a lawyer. Each of the three panelists visit about items they believe young entrepreneurs need to be aware of as they begin a business. Next, each semi-finalist visits with three area entrepreneurs, their chance to ask questions and learn from someone who has recently been in their shoes. 

Business Plans are due and turned into the liaison by April 3, 2020.

Judges meet and determine finalists based upon the business writing plan. Participants are informed of final contestants on April 10, 2020. 

Competition is held April 22, 2020, and open to public. Finalists present their pitch to the judges. Presentation is timed and each finalist is allowed 20 minutes. 

Winner(s) chosen that evening based on final pitch and business plan. 

*Cash prize winners will receive a 1099 form for tax purposes. 

A $10,000 cash prize as well as approximately $3,000 of relevant donations will be awarded to one (or more than one, if the judges so choose) contestants. Applications will be accepted starting November 1, 2019. Those who advance in the competition will benefit even if not select for a top prize. Budding entrepreneurs will participate in a class on writing a business plan. They also will be mentored by professionals who will provide expertise in areas which may need assistance, in hopes of helping entrepreneurs turn dreams into reality and create a better future for western Nebraska.

*Cash prize winners will receive a 1099 form for tax purposes.

The following rules and guidelines for KC Business Launch at Mid-Plains Community College Ogallala Campus hereafter referred to as the Competition, have been designed to ensure fairness to all participating individuals and teams. The organizers and judges of the Competition will strictly enforce the competition rules. Interpretation of the competition rules that may arise during the Competition will be reviewed and decided by the organizers. Their decision will be final.

1. Previous cash prize winners of the competition will not be allowed to participate in the Competition. 
2. Eligible participants must be a startup or existing business that has been in business for no more than 5 years and reside in Keith County.
3. Business plans may be submitted by individuals or by teams, but all applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 
4. There is no limit on the number of people on a team.     
5. Willing participants for the Competition must submit their application by or before the deadline provided above. No other applications will be accepted after the deadline. No Exceptions.
6. Any area of commercial endeavor is valid. 
7. All finalist submissions must be the original work of those making the submission. Any plagiarized business plans will be disqualified. 
8. All participants must agree that, should they be chosen as a finalist, they will take the mandatory online Entrepreneurship Business Plan writing course offered through Mid-Plains Community College. If the finalist fails or withdraws from the Entrepreneurship Business Plan writing course, the finalist must reimburse MPCC for tuition and fees. 
9. All participants must agree that, should they be chosen as a finalist or winner, they will use prize winnings to establish or continue operations that employ people in Keith County and invest prize winnings to start up a company or back into their company. 
10. Partially completed applications will not be accepted. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Mountain time (U.S.) on December 2, 2019, with the signed agreement form and must be received, postmarked by, or hand-delivered on that date. 
11. Applicants risk disqualification if they attempt to approach a judge or have someone do that on their behalf, in connection with the competition. 
12. Finalists presenting to the judges on (date) are allowed to bring posters, handouts, and laptops for PowerPoint presentations, product samples, and more to assist them in the business presentation. Additional electronics will be on hand for their presentations.
13. The decisions of the judges are final, including interpretation of the rules.