Women entrepreneurs sought for $10K business competition in Buffalo

The Success Stimulus Competition is back for a second year with double the prize money, at least.

The competition is held by the Canisius College Women’s Business Center and geared specifically for local, female-owned businesses.

The first place winner of the competition will win a $10,000 prize to help support their business. The money was contributed by various sponsors, including Canisius College, the First Niagara Foundation, Evans Bank and Launch NY.

Competition organizers are considering their options, including crowdfunding, to raise prize money for the second to fourth place winners, said Sara Vescio, WBC executive director.

Applications can be submitted here and are due by June 17.

The applications will be judged by WBC board members and supporting organizations, leading to four semifinalists. The semifinalists will pitch live at the WBC Annual Success Stimulus Conference, scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 22, at Canisius’ Science Hall on Main Street.

About 80 women business owners applied to the competition last year, withAmy Olson and her business, Creative InServices, taking the $5,000 grand prize.

The company has used that money to acquire a book of business this year, purchase equipment and give the staff slight raises, among other things, Vescio said.

Applicants can be either established businesses or startups in any industry, and will be judged on showing how they money will make an impact on their business.

“We want a business that’s got a great plan and a great person running the business and who just needs a little tip to help them drive the impact,” Vescio said.

Source: Buffalo Business First