MOUNT STERLING, Ill. (WGEM) – A biennial competition in the Tri-State is back, and business leaders expressed hope that this friendly competition will create new business opportunities in the region.
In 2022, Jeff Schmitz, owner of Two Wheels Trading Co., had a dream, and that dream soon became a reality.
“I had never run a business before,” Schmitz said. “I had never done anything (business-related). I’ve always worked in the private sector.”
Schmitz said he got the push he needed from a business proposal he entered two years ago, part of Action Brown County’s (ABC) startup competition.
“Going through some of the processes ABC requires you to participate was very eye-opening,” Schmitz said.
Schmitz said the experiences he gained, such as public speaking and receiving feedback, were invaluable.
“That somehow motivated me to keep going,” said Schmitz. “Even though I didn’t win the competition. But all these things showed me that it is possible.”
Now it’s possible again. The application period begins on August 15. According to official information, applications will be available on the ABC website.
“This is a contest for people who have an idea they would like to see, an idea that might be interesting for their business,” said Alex Geisler, ABC’s executive director. “Or maybe they see a need in Brown County and have a business idea to fill that need.”
Geisler said that after applying, participants will develop a business plan and pitch their ideas. They will also attend a series of workshops such as marketing and branding. A group of finalists will be selected and the winner will receive $20,000 to open their business in Brown County.
“We always want to make sure we’re stimulating economic development,” Geisler said. “And something unique about Brown County is that entrepreneurial spirit.”
Geisler said they had 17 applicants in 2022. Of those, three businesses continue to thrive in Brown County (Two Wheels Trading Co., The Lion’s Realm and Tropical Sno Cone).
“We are 26 percent higher than in the same period last year,” said Schimtz. “So we are in pretty good shape.”
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