Business Plan Competition finalists named

BINGHAMTON — The Binghamton Local Development Corporation (BLDC) named nine finalists in the 2012 BLDC/Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) Business Plan Competition.

“We had a great selection of very interesting and viable proposals,” said Merry Harris, BLDC Executive Director. “It was a challenge to narrow them down, but we feel confident that those chosen will present competitive business plans to the judges.”

This year’s finalists are:

-Ben Giordano for “FreshySites, for affordable and beautiful website design for small businesses.”

-Adam Sabol and Jimmy Orband for “CommuniKey, an exclusive membership program connecting college students to the local community.”

-Nadene Bradburn for “Blackwell Associates, Inc., a mission-driven physician-staffing and consulting firm that makes positive matches for physicians, hospitals, and communities.”

-Rupert Wade, “an online community where writers, publishers, and subscribers share content.”

-Ben Repak and Craig Broccoli for “Metgro, focused on supporting people and planet through urban agriculture.”

-Patrick Bayer and Sam Festa for “Wavelength Audio Productions, providing audio, video, and lighting services for your event.”

-Robert Gerard and Zeljka Roksandic for “Green Way Pavements, retailing/installing ‘green’ alternative pavements by using recycled plastic, multi-use, eco-grid pavers.”

-Kristen Lyons for “Binghamton Brewing Company, a brewpub where you will enjoy quality brews, food, and service.”

-Autumn Tompkins for “In-Salt Popcorn Shoppe, serving popcorn with a side of sarcasm.”

“The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program run by Broome Community College looks forward to assisting these entrepreneurs in any way we can to help them launch their businesses,” said Janet Hertzog, director of workforce development at the college. “We look forward to a great competition.”

Each of the finalists now has six weeks to complete their written business plans and prepare a 20-minute oral presentation for the judges. Final plans are due May 24 and oral presentations will take place June 19 and 20. The BLDC and EAP will announce the winner within the following two weeks.

This year’s winner will receive $5,000 to use toward the implementation of their winning business plan along with a $5,000 advertising package from the Press and Sun Bulletin and a one-year membership to the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. The law firm of Leven, Gouldin & Thompson and the accounting firm of Piaker & Lyons will also provide free consulting services to the winner.

Contact DeLore at tgregory@tgbbj.com