Calling All Entrepreneurs: Fresno, California’s First 250K National Business Plan Competition Call for Entries Officially Opens

In the spirit of entrepreneurship, Fresno, California, located in the heart of the golden state, is hosting its first ever national business plan competition. The “Start It Up: Fresno’s 250K Entrepreneur Challenge” will offer entrants the chance to turn their business ideas into reality with $250,000—including $100,000 in cash and $150,000 of in-kind services—to start their business in Fresno.

Anyone who has an idea for an innovative new business and a business plan to match, or who has already started and is growing a business with a promising business plan, is welcome to enter. The top 10 finalists will be brought to Fresno for a two-day competition October 2-3, 2008 where they will present their business plan before a panel of distinguished judges. On October 4th, the Start It Up winner will be announced LIVE during halftime at the Fresno State Bulldog football game in front of 40,000 spectators.

The competition is a collaborative effort between the Lyles Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fresno, the City of Fresno Economic Development Department, the Fresno Redevelopment Agency, Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno and Table Mountain Rancheria.

“Fresno is the 6th largest city in California and it continues to grow,” said Dr. Tim Stearns of the Lyles Center. “This competition is a chance for entrepreneurs nationwide to bring their business to a great city that will no doubt offer a very rewarding return on investment.”

Fresno is the largest inland city in the state of California. As of 2008, Fresno has an estimated population of 486,116. It is located in the center of the Central Valley approximately 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 170 miles south of Sacramento. For more information about Fresno, visit www.ci.fresno.ca.us. For more information or to enter the contest, visit www.lylescenter.com.