PeopleFund Announces Business Plan Competition
Nonprofit to Award Three Grants to Outstanding Business Models
The community development financial institution and nonprofit charity PeopleFund announced Monday it will host its second annual “Top Seed” business model competition. This year, the organization has opted to receive video submissions in order to highlight creative entrepreneurs and to share the entries with community steakholders. Entries will be accepted through October 10th, 2012, one month from the announcement. Sponsorship of the competition comes from Comerica Bank, a major supporter of PeopleFund and community partner across Texas.
Grants will be awarded in three categories: small business, nonprofit, and youth. Finalists are invited to PeopleFund’s East Night Summit and Celebration event where winners will be announced. Grants for the small business and nonprofit categories will be $2,000 each and the youth grant will be $200. Submissions should focus on the services and products provided by the business/nonprofit, sustainability, initial launch funding, marketing and development strategies, value propositions, and any additional distinguishing information.
Last year the organization awarded grants to Jen Ardill of Purse and Clutch, as well as to Daniela Ochoa, Sayuri Yamanaka, and Suzy Garza of the nonprofit Punto Verde. Youth award winners in 2011 included Miriam Delgado and Jonathan Nobles, who proposed a small business, Brown 23.
Interested applicants may upload their videos through social media and are encouraged to confirm receipt. Applicants in need of video equipment or assistance recording their video should contact PeopleFund or stop by the organization’s facilities on E MLK & Alexander for support. Complete guidelines and suggestions can be found here.