The 2015 Southwest Georgia Bank Business Plan Competition will be accepting applications for the opportunity to win $10,000 in start-up capital until Friday, June 13.

“We recognize that small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” Jeff Hanson, Executive Vice President of Southwest Georgia Bank said. “Many entrepreneurs or small businesses have great ideas, but lack the capital or the financial planning that can take that great idea and turn it into a successful venture.”

The goal of the competition is to train and educate new businesses in order to ensure the success of the local economy while also creating jobs for recent graduates in the Valdosta-Lowndes county area.

New businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to register for hands-on experience with some of Valdosta’s leading business professionals. Everyone who enters the competition will have the opportunity to attend workshops and meetings with successful professionals who will advise and provide training on developing a successful business plan.

The winner of the competition will receive $10,000 in start-up capital for his or her new business as well as a variety of marketing tools, provided by various Chamber members. In addition, the winner will also receive a complimentary one-year Chamber membership with publicity at Chamber events and in Chamber publications throughout the year.

“The Business Plan Competition provides a structure for vetting great ideas and providing input that can be the difference in making a business thrive,” Hanson said. “This program positively impacts all applicants, not just the winner, so it is a win-win for everyone involved.”

The 2014 Southwest Georgia Bank Business Plan Competition winner was Angela Roark, with Monarch Hair Solutions. She plans to use her $10,000 in start-up capital to secure a location for her business and to purchase the machinery needed to mold custom hairpieces.

For more information about the competition or to register, contact Varian Brown at (229) 247-8100 ext. 234, or visit www.ValdostaChamber.com.