Businesses looking to compete for more than $75,000 in cash prizes and professional services should apply for the Fort Worth Business Plan Competition by June 16.

This is the seventh year the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center has hosted the competition for DBA registered businesses in Tarrant County making under $500,000 annually. 

Through a competitive application process, 25 businesses will be selected to develop a business plan or strengthen an existing plan. Plans will be judged on how well they progress their bottom line and market competitiveness. 

Beginning on July 13, selected businesses will be provided four training sessions. Resources such as one-on-one counseling, developmental workshops, and coaching from industry experts, will be provided. Businesses will also be able to receive feedback from judges. 

Plans will be submitted Sept. 11, and 10 finalists will continue to an Oct. 12 “Pitch Night” where they will present their plans to judges. From there, the competition will be narrowed to three finalists, who will compete Oct. 26 for prizes. 

Cash prizes for the top three finalists are as follows:

First — $8,000

Second — $4,500

Third — $2,500

In addition, businesses have donated in-kind services for the three finalists.

Small businesses interested in the competition can register at fwbac.com/bpc. There is a $35 fee to register. Past winners and city of Fort Worth employees are not eligible to apply.

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