More than $20,000 in cash and prizes awarded to 10 contestants
GWINNETT- METRO ATLANTA) May 13, 2015 – Partnership Gwinnett andGwinnett Chamber Economic Development joined with The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to announce the winner of the fifth annual Amazing Entrepreneur competition – Sky High Tutoring. The small business provides one-on-one tutoring and small group tutoring in the SAT, ACT, AP Subjects, and a wide range of academic subjects.
“When I launched the company with the knowledge that each student is different and therefore, requires different ways to engage them in the learning process,” said Matt Choi, Founder and CEO of Sky High Tutoring. “I am humbled to be named the winner of this year’s Amazing Entrepreneur Contest and look forward to using these prizes to grow and expand my business.”
Designed to encourage startups to better plan their enterprises and to engage with regional support services, the Amazing Entrepreneur competition requires contestants to submit a business plan summary for judging, with finalists earning the opportunity to present before a panel of judges. The Established Business finalists for 2015 included:
- Farmhouse 17, a store offering products made of repurposed and natural materials
- Post Retirement Living, expertise and tools for adult children of elderly parents
- Premier Protective Group, specializes in security management consulting
- Sky High Tutoring, conducts tutoring for college entrance exams
- Von.Lea Creative, creates commercial branding and marketing materials
“The Amazing Entrepreneur contest is such a valuable way for small business owners and entrepreneurs to develop successful business strategies, while tapping into essential resources available to them,” said Mark Butler, Area Director at The University of Georgia SBDC. “We are excited to be partners of this award and we wish the winners continued success as they grow in our community.”
Sky High Tutoring will receive a prize package that includes $10,000 cash, a consultation with an attorney from Arnall Golden Gregory ($3,000 value), scholarship to attend the Small Business Development Center’s Grow Smart program ($985 value), a one-year Gwinnett Chamber membership ($500 value minimum), and more.
Businesses not yet in operation were also given the opportunity to win prizes through the Contest’s Pre-Venture category. SciSmart Tutoring was announced as the 2015 winner.
“We started the Amazing Entrepreneur competition to not only highlight innovative business ideas, but this contest emphasizes the importance of planning, from developing to winning business plan to effectively communicating business concepts through the oral presentation,” said Mark Farmer, Director of Entrepreneurship for Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnett. “As we work to facilitate the success of startups and small businesses in Gwinnett County, this contest allows us the opportunity to provide much-needed support to local entrepreneurs.”
The 2015 Contest is presented by Jackson Electric Membership Corporation, LAN Systems and The Myers Group. Mary Hester, CEO for LAN Systems, commented, “There’s an incredibly strong entrepreneurial spirit in this community, which is apparent in the innovative business ideas showcased through the Contest. We are proud to support the Amazing Entrepreneur contest and its efforts to nurture small business in Gwinnett.”
For more information on the Amazing Entrepreneur Contest, please visitwww.amazingentrepreneurcontest.com. To receive updates and reminders on Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development’s small business and entrepreneurial efforts, click here.
For more information or to learn how to get involved in local economic development efforts, please visitwww.gwinnetteconomicdevelopment.com.