Officials Announce Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition
Great Northern Development Corp. and the Small Business Development Center have announced the commencement of the third Minnow Tank Business Plan Competition. This transformative initiative is set to unfold across the seven-county region of northeastern Montana, including Valley, Garfield, McCone, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Daniels.
The Minnow Tank Competition aims to unite communities with a common goal of economic development by attracting new entrepreneurs and supporting existing businesses. Through the generous sponsorships of local businesses and chambers of commerce, GNDC will award two prize packages of $5,000 each — one to a startup and one to an existing business.
This competition provides a unique platform for startups and expanding businesses to showcase their potential, with the opportunity to win one of two $5,000 cash awards. The vision is to strengthen and support the existing businesses that form the backbone of local communities.
To empower entrepreneurs, SBDC director Quincy Walter has organized free business plan development classes in each of the seven counties. These classes cover crucial topics such as Business Plan Basics, Marketing and Small Business Financials. Entrepreneurs planning to compete in the Minnow Tank Business Plan competition are strongly encouraged to attend these classes.
The business plan development class schedule includes Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon in Glasgow, Feb. 7 from 2-4 p.m. in Wolf Point at the Great Northern Development Corp. office, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce office, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Garfield County Bank conference room in Jordan, Feb. 9 from 2-4 p.m. at the McCone County Fairgrounds in Circle, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the jubilee room in Plentywood and Feb. 13 from 2-4 p.m. at the Nemont friendship room in Scobey.
Business plan submission deadline is March 13 at 5 p.m. Minnow tank finale is scheduled for May 3. Visit www.gndc.org for official application guidelines and procedures. New or existing businesses interested in applying for Minnow Tank or those with questions about the events areencouraged to contact Quincy Walter at 406-653-2590 ext 203 or visit https://gndc.org/minnow- tank/. The culminating event will be held on May 3 when 14 finalists will present their business plans live to a panel of judges and the audience, who will also be able to vote as well. Tickets for the finale will be available by calling GNDC.
