Submitted by San Juan County Economic Development Council

Entrepreneurs can bring their business ideas to the next level in the third annual EDC Launch San Juan Islands business plan competition, created by the San Juan County Economic Development Council and sponsored by local businesses.

Participants will receive instruction in business planning and marketing, plus follow-up mentoring – and some will win cash prizes to help launch their businesses.

Thousands of dollars in cash prizes will be awarded to contest winners this year. The greater goal, however, is to help every participating entrepreneur to advance their business.

Included in the program for all participants will be seminars on business planning, financing and marketing; opportunities to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs; media coverage for contestants; professional advice from a team of experts; and feedback on business plans.

Launch San Juan Islands will start in October and run through November. The cost to participate is $65 with pre-registration received prior to Sept. 18 or $85 thereafter. The final entry deadline: Sept. 25. This fee covers direct costs for course materials and events. Visit www.sanjuansedc.org/launch for more information.

The EDC thanks our funding partners: San Juan Propane, Luxel, King’s Market/Valmark; the Islands’ Sounder, the Journal of the San Juan Islands, the Islands’ Weekly, Heritage Bank; Islanders Bank, San Juan County, the Port of Friday Harbor; and the Town of Friday Harbor.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.