Friday, July 25, 2014

Farm Bureau, Georgetown give rural entrepreneurs chance to pitch ideas, win $15,000 or more

Rural farmers and entrepreneurs have a chance to showcase new business ideas and innovations through the Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge, with a chance to win the title of Rural Entrepreneur of the Year Award and up to $30,000 towards implementing their ideas, says the American Farm Bureau Federation, which created the challenge along with Georgetown University. Ideas do not have to be agriculture-based.

Applications are being accepted through Sept. 15. Applicants should send an executive summary of no more than 750 words and five captioned photos about the new business idea, says the Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative. Applications are judged based on innovation, feasibility and rural impact.

Ten semi-finalists will make a 5-minute presentation to judges on Oct. 14 at the National Summit on Rural Entrepreneurship at Georgetown. Four finalists will advance to the finals at the Farm Bureau convention Jan. 9-14 in San Diego, where they will pitch their ideas to another set of judges. Finalists will all receive $15,000, with the winner earning another $15,000. For more information or to apply, click here.

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