Chamber introduces award to help budding entrepreneurs

Total package will be valued at about $9,000, including $2,500 cash prize

The Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of its inaugural Start-Up Legacy Award Investing in Entrepreneurs, provided in partnership with several of its members.

This new award, designed to offer support to a budding local entrepreneur, will be presented in October during BDC Small Business Week to assist the recipient in taking their venture to the next level.

“Encouraging new business start-ups is important for the future economic prosperity of our region,” said Chamber president Alex Stevenson. “The Start-Up Legacy Award is one example of how the Chamber is working to support these efforts.

Stevenson said the new award aligns with the organization’s vision, where they see the Colchester business community as collaborative, connected and thriving.

A viable start-up located within Truro and Colchester region, a business that is just beginning to develop, will be identified through a submission selection process and provide it with a onetime $2,500 cash prize as well as in-kind supports, products and services, from partnering businesses. These include Caldwell Roach Insurance, Burchell MacDougall Lawyers, Colchester Printing, Sid Sells Signs, D & D Bookkeeping, Caliper Canada, CBDC and Hub Now.

The total prize package is valued at about $9,000.

The Chamber is now taking submissions for the legacy award. Details and a submission form can be found on the Chamber’s website and Facebook page. Finalists will be selected from submissions received by Friday, Sept. 29, and will be invited to share their idea with a panel of judges from partnering sponsors in early October.

The program is open to an individual or partners with a business idea that needs capital and professional support. To qualify, they must live within Truro or Colchester region and the business must also operate here.

All entrepreneurs must have ideas or business models in the start-up phase and have earned less than $5,000. The business idea should stand apart from current businesses in the area, giving a unique edge on the competition. It must also be demonstrate that funds and support services will have a meaningful impact on business growth and job creation in the local area.

The Chamber is now accepting nominations for small business awards: New Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Credit Union; Small Business Achievement, sponsored by PWC; Export Achievement Award sponsored by NSBI; Small Business Innovation, sponsored by RBC; Excellence in Community Development award sponsored by the Town of Truro; Agriculture/ Agri Small Business Award, sponsored by MNP LLP; and Small Business Growth Award, sponsored by BDC.

A link to the nomination online form is posted on www.trurocolchesterchamber.com and the Chamber Facebook page; hard copies are available from the chamber office, at 605 Prince St., Truro. Small Business Week Awards nominations will be accepted until Oct. 5.

Chamber events are open to members and future members. Join them in supporting the local business community. For more information, visit the website.