Scott County entrepreneurs are eligible to compete for start-up cash and professional services in a local business competition, the Scott County FAST-TRACK Challenge. Thanks to generous sponsors, winners of the FAST-TRACK Challenge will be provided start-up funds and professional business services to help fast-track their business to success. A student division has been added to this year’s event! The prize packages, valued at nearly $15,000, currently include the following:
Cash prizes of $7,000 donated by the following Sponsors:
- Roundbank-New Prague, $2,500
- Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), $2,000
- Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up, $1,500
- First Bank & Trust-New Prague, $1,000
Professional Services, valued at nearly $8,000, including:
- Legal services provided by Larkin Hoffman valued at $2,500
- Marketing and graphic design services provided by Neon Lizard Creative Graphic, valued at $2,500
- Two free virtual memberships to the new Scott County Center for Entrepreneurship’s accelerator program, which include co-working cubicle space, mailbox, mentorship and access to educational programs as well as an executive Roundtable Session with the Advisory Committee valued at $1,800,
- One-year free membership to the Savage Chamber of Commerce, valued at $280,
- One-year free membership to the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce, valued at $275,
- One-year free membership to the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce, valued at $350,
- One-year free membership to the New Prague Chamber of Commerce, valued at $250
It’s not too late to join as a Sponsor or Professional Service Provider and play a role in helping entrepreneurs succeed and promoting economic development in Scott County! Businesses interested in making connections with first stage businesses and paying it forward are encouraged to participate in the event by contacting Jo Foust, Business Development Specialist with Scott County CDA First Stop Shop at: 952-496-8830 or jfoust@scottfss.org.
Entrepreneurs with new products or services are encouraged to apply for the Scott County FAST-TRACK Challenge! Applications are now open and will close on August 31st with finalists named in September for the October 21, 2021 event. Assistance in preparing the pitch and finalizing business plans will be provided at no charge. The application may be found at: www.ScottCountyFastTrack.com
The Scott County FAST-TRACK Challenge began in 2017 and received the 2018 Economic Development Association of MN’s Program of the Year Award. This will be the fifth annual FAST-TRACK Challenge, coordinated by the Scott County CDA and the Center for Entrepreneurship. Finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges in a live competition at Prior Lake City hall. The goal of the FAST-TRACK Challenge is to support entrepreneurship in Scott County and improve opportunities for business success. For more information contact Jo Foust, Business Development Specialist at: 952-496-8830 or jfoust@scottcda.org
