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Announcing our second $5,000 (and more) Downtown Bristol Entrepreneur's Prize! DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM TODAY! Last year, our first prize was a success! We are celebrating the winner, Ken Monyak of Bristol Brewing, who is now opening his business in downtown! "I would never have realized we had a legitimate business idea until we entered the competition," says Ken. We've improved the contest to allow more time, but you have to have your one-page in by August 8th to be eligible to enter. Have some fun and explore the possibilities!

RULES OF THE COMPETITION

1. Eligibility. Any “new” qualifying, for-profit business endeavor that will be located within Bristol’s Historic Downtown VA or TN District is eligible to apply for this cash prize. A “new business” is defined as one that will start up, or plans to start up, within (3) months before or after the date of the award. This award is for a new business or existing businesses looking to relocate or open a second site in Historic Downtown Bristol.

2. Entry. Each participant must complete an official entry form and submit a one-page document outlining how this potential business will positively reflect the character and personality of Bristol. The one-page submissions are due on or before 5:00 pm, Friday, August 8, 2014, at the Believe in Bristol office (located at 36 Moore Street, Bristol, VA).

3. Notification. The judges for Believe in Bristol will narrow down the one-page submissions to the top 5 or less. If you are chosen, you will be notified by Friday, August 15, 2014.

4. Moving On. If you are asked to move forward, you will have until 5:00 pm, Friday, January 9, 2015, to return a formalized business plan to the Believe in Bristol office.

5. Presentation. On Thursday, January 22, 2015, 6:00 pm, the finalists will be given 10 – 15 minute spots where they can discuss and present their concepts and business plan to the judges. PowerPoint will be available, but is not required. (Note that the judges will have already reviewed your one-page submission and formalized business plan before the presentation.) Feel free to use anything to make your presentation exciting and informative for the judges – except live animals!

6. Judging. A panel of business professionals has already been selected to judge for this competition. The decision from the judging panel is final! The winner will be announced after all the presentations have been given and the judges have had time to deliberate.

7. Awards. Awards and disbursement will be subject to a monthly site visit with a designated “mentor” to shareinformation. Funds will be used to offset up to six (6) month’s rent and / or utilities for the winning business, and are made as reimbursements. The winner of the Downtown Bristol Entrepreneur’s Prize will have until July 9, 2015 to open business to meet the performance agreement of this award.

8. Downtown. The selected winner will be required to participate in downtown activities, including special events, merchant gatherings, and extended hours campaigns.