LONDON, ON – Venture London, the city’s premier competition for new businesses, is back for a seventh year awarding more than $50,000 in cash and prizes for innovative, new London ventures. The deadline to enter is approaching on April 8, 2015.
Open to planned and new businesses, existing for less than three years, the competition consists of two rounds of judging, beginning with an online application. First round judges will review the applications and choose finalists who will then present their businesses before a final panel. Finalists and winners will share in more than $50,000 in cash, merchandise and services designed to help them accelerate their business growth.
In addition to cash awards of $5,000 and $10,000, winners also receive prize packages consisting of legal and accounting support, web design services, online commercials and office furniture valued at more than $25,000. Each finalist also receives $500 and prize packages valued at $2,000.
Past finalists and winners say the recognition they receive from the competition’s supporters and the local community also provides a valuable boost to their business.
"Winning Venture London had a profound effect; it made me feel grounded in London, and recognized and appreciated by my hometown,” said Sarah Landry, founder of Georgette Packaging, winner of the Venture London 2014 Start Up Category. “I met so many thoughtful individuals through the application process who continue to shape and support my experience building a young business here in London."
Founded in 2008 by the London Economic Development Corporation, the Small Business Centre, TechAlliance and the Western Research Park, the annual competition is designed to celebrate and support new ventures with the potential to create a long-term, positive impact on the London economy.
“Venture London is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit in our city. Each year we are inspired by the quality and growing volume of submissions,” said Steve Pellarin, Executive Director of the London Small Business Centre. “As one of the economic development partners behind the competition we have the privilege of working with entrepreneurs daily and Venture London gives us the opportunity to share their successes with the community. It is important that we recognize their hard work and efforts.”
Participants who would like assistance with their applications are encouraged to contact one of the founding organizations for help. Winners will be announced at an Awards Celebration on June 4th.
Venture London is made possible through the support of generous sponsors. Gold Sponsors for 2015 are Classic Rock FREE 98.1 FM, In2Communications, Libro Credit Union, Lovers atWork Office Furniture, Refcio & Associates, rTraction Canada Inc.
Visit www.venturelondon.ca for additional details.
For further information, please contact:
Nancy Kopriva, Director of Communications & Engagement, Small Business Centre
519-659-2882 ext. 234 | nkopriva@sbcentre.ca
