CEO Centers in the News

Gwinnett Business Journal

Gwinnett Launches Amazing Small Biz Competition

CEO Business Centers, Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) have teamed up to sponsor a contest for entrepreneurs. The Amazing Entrepreneur is a business plan competition designed to foster innovation and small business growth for one of Metro Atlanta’s most entrepreneur-friendly communities – Gwinnett County.

“Partnership Gwinnett maintains a solid focus on small business and entrepreneurial growth,” said Mark Farmer, director, entrepreneurship & information services,Gwinnett Chamber. “So, when CEO Business Centers came to us with the idea of free space in exchange for directing a program to stimulate this business sector, it made perfect sense and we expect to see sizable interest over the next few weeks.”

“Gwinnett County is founded on small business. It’s what we do best,” said Shirley Lasseter, Vice Chair for Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. “We are excited to see the business community collaborate in such an innovative way to ensure that the backbone of our community continues to flourish.”

The grand prize includes one free year in an office at a CEO Business Center site, a one-year Gwinnett Chamber membership, participation in the Chamber’s small business program, consultation with an attorney from Arnall Golden Gregory, research assistance from Chamber staff, and other prizes.  Finalists will receive certificates for services at CEO Business Centers.

Ruth Strickland with CEO Business Centers commented, “As the economy begins to recover, it is important that organizations like CEO, the Chamber and small businesses around metro Atlanta work together to do their part in supporting it. As small businesses need opportunity, we need tenants and this competition brings together supply and demand to create a strategic solution.”

The winner and finalists will be selected based on the quality of business plans submitted. The SBDC will assess the plans according to rules and regulations set forth by the competition.

“The SBDC works to help small business owners and entrepreneurial ideas find the resources essential to successful growth and development,” said Robert Andoh, SBDC. “This competition is a great way to encourage those with ideas and vision to put them on paper and potentially turn them into realities. We’re very excited about this competition and believe that it will draw quality candidates to make the most of a very strong opportunity.”

The winner will be announced on April 29 at the Chamber’s Pinnacle Awards.
For full contest details and rules for The Amazing Entrepreneur, visit www.ceocenters.com