liftoff houston
The city of Houston on Wednesday launched Liftoff Houston, an annual business plan contest that gives small business owners a chance to win $10,000. The City of Houston, along with the Houston Public Library and Capitol One Bank, will award a total of $30,000 to three Houston small business owners.
This year marks the 11th year the contest has been held, and the city announced that the program has been a great success.
“Over the years, this program has had a tremendous impact in empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through business literacy, education and mentorship,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.
In addition to cash prizes, the program also offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to attend virtual workshops focused on business plan basics and sessions on business resources in the City of Houston. Mentorship opportunities are also available from business mentoring organizations SCORE Houston and Capitol One Bank.
Participants can apply in three categories: products, services and innovation. Product-based businesses deal with retail, resale, and merchandise. Service-based businesses deal with food, labor, and consulting. Innovation-based businesses deal with software, hardware, inventions, and new market businesses.
Applications opened Wednesday and are open to any business owner who has a business idea, has been in business for less than a year, has less than $10,000 in revenue, and is located within the Houston city limits.
Business owners are encouraged to enroll in the Liftoff Houston Education Pathway even if their company does not meet the criteria. There, owners have access to workshops and coaching sessions.
