Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting its first regional business plan competition. The Start-Up Challenge invites entrepreneurs from the information technology, manufacturing and health care sectors.
For an existing business to be eligible, it must have been established after January 1, 2011 and headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. Proposed new businesses will need to be located within the same nine counties.
The first-place winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize. The second-place winner will receive $5,000. Both awards also include an array of in-kind professional services. The entry deadline is Feb. 14. Semi-finalists will be announced Feb. 28, with winners announced April 28. Apply at siue.edu/metroeaststartup.