Liftoff Houston
The City of Houston on Wednesday kicked off Lift Off Houston, its annual business plan competition that will award $10,000 in prize money to small business owners. The City of Houston, in partnership 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 contest's 11th year and the city said the program has been a great success.
“Over the years, this program has been incredibly impactful in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs through business literacy, education and mentorship,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.
In addition to cash prizes, the program will provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to participate in virtual workshops focused on business plan fundamentals and sessions on business resources for the City of Houston. It will also provide mentorship opportunities from business mentorship organizations SCORE Houston and Capitol One Bank.
Participants can enter in three categories: Product, Service and Innovation. Product-based businesses deal with retail, resale and goods. Service-based businesses deal with food, labour and consulting. Innovation-based businesses deal with software, hardware, inventions and new market businesses.
Applications opened on 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 city of Houston.
Even if a company doesn't fit the criteria, business owners are encouraged to enroll in the Liftoff Houston Educational Pathway, where business owners can participate in workshops and mentoring sessions.
