The 2014 Oswego County Next Great Idea Business Plan Competition recently announced the seven semifinalists that are competing for a $25,000 prize toward the start of their business in Oswego County. In the third edition of the event, the Next Great Idea committee said it received 19 business-concept proposals. The seven that were chosen by […]
The 2014 Oswego County Next Great Idea Business Plan Competition recently announced the seven semifinalists that are competing for a $25,000 prize toward the start of their business in Oswego County.
In the third edition of the event, the Next Great Idea committee said it received 19 business-concept proposals. The seven that were chosen by a panel of 10 judges cover a wide range of industries, according to a news release.
The Next Great Idea semifinalists are as follows.
American Machine Design and Fabrication, LLC owner Jacob Cipriano proposes to serve the manufacturing sector in Oswego County and beyond by engineering and manufacturing automation solutions for production environments to make manufacturing companies more efficient and competitive.
Outdoor Educational Expeditions and its creator, Jennifer Mays, will provide customized outdoor and educational expeditions throughout Oswego County, leveraging its abundant natural and historical resources to promote tourism and provide healthy lifestyle activities.
Campany Oncology Products is a business idea arising from the unique experiences and findings of cancer survivor, Judy Campany. She seeks to develop oncology-specific products for cancer patients and survivors. This business would leverage existing local manufacturing companies to produce the products and establish a unique niche business in Oswego County, the release stated.
Party and Play Café is an event and play location that would focus on children’s entertainment, but would also be adult friendly. Karen Crisafulli came up with the business idea by identifying a need for a quality children’s play outlet in the Oswego area.
Violin Wrap is the business idea of Matthew Vacanti. Based on his experience in the music industry, he has identified an opportunity to develop a colorful and protective covering for string instruments like violins, violas, and cellos. The products would be manufactured in Oswego County and marketed worldwide.
Ontario Soap Company, and owner, Heather Shambo, will create luxury soaps and body-care products using locally sourced ingredients. High-quality local products used in the soap production will be a focus of the business’s marketing efforts, according to the news release.
Bookbrawl.com, started by Austin Rudd, is an online platform headquartered in Oswego County that allows students to create their own textbook marketplaces on campus to reduce the cost of books and supplies.
“Each of the semi-finalist businesses selected to move forward are looking to capitalize on a realistic opportunity they have identified in the market which will benefit Oswego County through the jobs they will create and the advantages they will provide the existing companies and residents in Oswego County,” Next Great Idea Chairperson Austin Wheelock said in the release.
The next step for the semifinalists will be to develop a full business plan by Sept. 5 that will include a detailed narrative on the business, financial statements, and key supporting information.
In addition to awarding one winning business $25,000, other anticipated outcomes from the program include developing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurism in Oswego County; improving the quality of life for the community by bringing innovative and needed businesses and services to Oswego County; fighting the “brain drain” by encouraging the best and brightest to stay local; creating new job opportunities and markets; and expanding the tax base, the news release stated.
The Next Great Idea Business Plan Competition website (www.oswegocounty.org/NGI) includes an overview of the event, a competition timeline, guidelines, and details on the $25,000 prize, sponsors, partners, and contact information.
In addition, the $25,000 can potentially be leveraged to borrow up to $250,000 in partnership with local banks, the Oswego County Industrial Development Agency, the community development offices of the cities of Oswego and Fulton, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other economic-development agencies.