2007 Archives

Start Me Up….Starts

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC to hold an entrepreneurial initiative that will award prize packages totaling nearly $100,000

HARRISBURG (December 11, 2007) - The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC will hold its second Start Me Up, three-tiered business plan competition, in 2008. The event will award prizes packages totaling nearly $100,000 in products and services to new and emerging businesses in the region.

Start Me Up, initiated in 2005, was created to raise the level of awareness that our region is a great place to start and grow a business, and to recognize that small and emerging businesses are the job and wealth creators in the community and to spur the economic vitality in South Central Pennsylvania.

"It's been a pleasure and an honor to be a part of the Fab 5, " stated Jim Mooney, President & CEO of Enginuity LLC, a 2005 CREDC Fab 5 winner. "With regard to the "prizes", Paul Caulfield, Dering Consulting, provided his consulting services and facilitated an extremely productive strategic planning session for us.  Aside from that, the quarterly meetings with the other winners have been the best part of the award.  It's invigorating to discuss business ideas with these very bright people, and comforting to share the joys and frustrations of business ownership with folks that have "been there."

David Plummer, Chief Executive Officer of Probity Medical Transcription, and a 2005 CREDC Fab 5 winner, added, " In the past two years, Probity Medical Transcription has secured venture financing, doubled in size twice, and expanded into new headquarters. We are on track for a record 2007. The Fab 5 award was a key component to our success, and we are grateful for the opportunities and support that CREDC has provided."

The initiative, created under the Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) umbrella, focuses on the enhancement of entrepreneurial development in the region. The Start Me Up finals will be held on Tuesday, April 29 at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center where the winners of the various business plan competitions will be announced and awarded.

"Entrepreneurial development is not only a source of job creation, but for building corporate citizens in our region.  The next AMP, Harsco or even Hershey Company could be one of these young businesses today." stated David Black, President & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.  "Dreams can become a reality.  Sometimes a little help is needed to make that happen.  That is why this event was created."

The Start Me Up campaign will include the following activities which will focus on the early stages of growth of an entrepreneurial company:

1. College Venture Challenge - A business plan competition for undergraduates and graduate students. The deadline for submission is January 16, 2008.
   
2. Murata Great Business Challenge - A business plan competition for businesses two years and younger.  The winner will receive a $30,000 prize package that will include 6 months free rent at the Murata Business Center, a business incubator in Carlisle, the business' own advisory panel, complimentary office supplies and marketing assistance. The deadline for submission is February 19, 2008.
   
3. The Fab 5 - A business plan competition that will identify 5 "poster" businesses that have been in business from two to five years.  Some of the prizes comprised in the $50,000 prize package include an advisory panel, complimentary HR and marketing consulting, advertising packages, paid interns, and a business coach. Judges will review applications consisting of financials, projections, marketing plans, and conduct site visits to decide on The Fab 5 winners. The deadline for submission is March 3, 2008.

he Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability as a region.