Business plan contest coming to a closing

A business plan contest is open to students in the Kenora-Rainy River District, but the deadline to submit a completed entry is coming up May 24.
Although there only have been a few completed business plans submitted from the area, there has been a lot of interest shown by local students.
Any student currently enrolled in high school is urged to enter their ideas. Any ideas must be original, so they cannot be an existing franchise or business.
First prize is set at $1,000, but there will be prizes offered for every business plan submitted along with different categories, such as most creative.
District businesses have been very supportive of the contest as they offer their different services to mentor and help the interested students.
There is no commitment for the student to go through with business plan, but if they wish, they may carry through in “Summer Company,” another program offered from the Northwestern Ontario Business Self-help Office.
This program offers a student the chance to become their own boss for the summer.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop business skills through fashioning a professional business plan,” said Carmela Laffin, small business consultant for the NWOSHO.
“This contest gives the participants a chance to develop presentation, networking, personnel, and team-building skills,” added Laffin.
If you have any questions about the contest or “Summer Company,” call either Laffin or Patrick Matiowski, Northern Ventures initiative co-ordinator, at 1-807-467-4643.
With the development of “Summer Company,” there has been at least one new business added to the area.
Tim Baron, a Grade 11 student of Fort Frances High School, has started a business that should add a lot to the area. A paint ball field course will be added, with options of renting equipment.
The target date for opening at this point is June 1.