Round Rock Public Library to host entrepreneurs contest with $10,000 grand prize, offering free workshops to prepare
The Round Rock Public Library is accepting applications for its Business Plan Competition for entrepreneurs in the city, who will have a chance of winning a grand prize valuing $10,000.
The final six individuals or teams will present their plans to a panel of judges on May 3. The winner will receive a $7,500, a Dell computer system worth $2,500 and a consultation with a Dell Technology expert, according to the library’s website. The runner-up will win $3,500. Winners will be announced immediately after they present to the judges.
Competitors will have to create a business plan that outlines their company structure, goals and future plans. The plan must to be uploaded to the RRPL Business Plan Competition page no later than March 31.
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“It’s not about the grand prize. Everybody who completes the business plan is a winner,” said the library's assistant director, Getta Halley. “They can use our resources to create the plan. They can take all the maps, charts, resources we have, they can take it to the bank and they will have a good quality business plan to show.”
To enter, competitors must complete an online entry form, have a Round Rock Public Library card to access required resources for the competition, be 18 years of age or older, operate in Round Rock, have a legal residence in the city and be a legal resident or U.S citizen. Businesses that compete must be in the start-up phase and be a for-profit business. Competitors are required to meet with a librarian at least once and an Austin SCORE mentor before March 15.
Appointments with a librarian can be scheduled with Halley via email at ghalley@roundrocktexas.gov. Appointments with an Austin SCORE mentor can be scheduled at austin.score.org.
The competition will include three rounds, a technical review, judges review and finalist presentations.
David Bolden, who will be participating in the competition, says he is excited about all of the resources the library has to provide to help him become a better business professional.
"As someone who is trying to build a business with aspects of real estate management, job placement and marketing, I am excited to dive into the library webpage to see what I can use," Bolden said.
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Additionally, the library in collaboration with Austin SCORE, is offering free ZOOM workshops every Friday in February to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, develop and maintain their businesses. Lessons learned during the workshops can be used to create a business plan for the competition.
The first workshop will be Feb. 4 with special presenters Ted Windecker and Phil Storin focusing on how to write a winning business plan.
The competition is inspired by the New York Public Library business competition. Sponsors helping to provide the money for the prize are Dell Technologies, the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Public Library Association, the Friends of the Round Rock Public Library and H-E-B.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Round Rock Public Library to host entrepreneurs contest $10,000 prize
