A business startup package with a $145,000 value awaits the winner of "Calling All Dreamers" business plan contest of the Downtown Sacramento Foundation, a press release calling for applications said. The package includes a cash prize of $10,000, one year free rent of a downtown storefront and a wide range of business services.
Andy Paul was proclaimed the winner of the 2013 Calling All Dreamers competition. In the statement, he urged aspiring entrepreneurs to join. He said, "If you've got that little dream kicking around in your head, do it. The amount of resources and support are incredible. Even if you don't win or don't make it to the semi-finals, it will get you so far down the path that you'll be much more likely to do it on your own."
There were 49 aspiring entrepreneurs that joined last year's inaugural business competition that had awarded a $135,000 grand prize. Just nine months after handing in his business plan, Paul saw his idea come to life with the opening of Andy's Candy Apothecary located at the 800 J Lofts ground floor. The Dailey Method, meanwhile, which won The People's Choice award, was also able to open their new studio downtown last weekend, also at 800 J Lofts, the statement said.
According to the statement, the competition has gained success in incubating new business owners. A tangible economic impact has also been made by the competition. Between the two winners, there were three new full time jobs and 11 part-time positions created. It also paved the way for other contestants who were not fortunate enough to win to open their own stores. Later this year, finalist Sun & Soil Juice Company will be opening its doors at 1912 P Street while South, a restaurant startup, is also expected to start cooking in a Southside Park location, the report said.
Aspiring business owners are given until 5 PM of March 3 to submit their applications to the competition. Details and applications can be found at www.callingalldreamers.org, the statement said.
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