The field has been narrowed down for the 2024 Fort Worth Business Plan Competition, with 20 participants participating in several weeks of business development workshops, mentorship opportunities and pitch practice with local partners.
Why it's important: The Fort Worth Business Plan Competition is an annual celebration of Fort Worth's entrepreneurial spirit, serving as a showcase and training for emerging small businesses to help set them up for long-term success.
Once these athletes complete their training,they use it to create a comprehensive written business plan.
- Plans will be scored and the top eight will have the opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of judges in the finale to determine the award winner.
- The 2024 contest will once again be sponsored by Frostbank.
- Prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists, with first place receiving $10,000, second place receiving $6,000, and third place receiving $4,000.
What they are saying: “The Fort Worth Business Plan Competition is honestly one of my favorite events that we do as a department, and that enthusiasm is 100 percent shared by our sponsors at Frost Bank,” said the City of Fort Worth. said Economic Development Director Robert Stearns.
“It’s really great to see so many local ecosystem partners coming together to coach and mentor these small businesses. Many of them understand the basics of business and are ready to succeed. We have the ambition to do so, but we're still holding back when the time comes.''We need to scale up and consider next steps. ”
Go deeper: Throughout the competition, the top 20 will receive coaching and mentorship from Frost Bank, Accelerate Fort Worth, HSC Next, SCORE Fort Worth, Tarrant SBDC, TechFW, and more. This year's cohort reflects a diverse small business community, with 17 of the top 20 companies being either minority-owned, women-owned, or disadvantaged businesses.
Top 20 companies
- blind eyed – A blind artist who creates unique upcycled art and clothing.
- Bre's Sweet Treats LLC – A cottage bakery specializing in custom cakes, dessert catering, and event pop-ups.
- brown sugar ice cream company – A company specializing in organic, lactose-free frozen custard made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Kamer LLC – Local hair salon.
- Champion strength and conditioning – A fitness business focused on personal training that helps clients lose weight, tone and strengthen their bodies.
- Conscience-Driven Design Group LLC – A comprehensive interior design and wellness company that transforms indoor spaces into harmonious and sustainable environments.
- Create + Collaborate – A local nonprofit organization that provides leadership training, mentorship, and other support to students transitioning into young adulthood.
- fort worth strong – A private training gym focused on helping clients achieve their fitness, community, and lifestyle goals.
- hustle blend – A coffee and beverage company that also provides resources and mentorship to at-risk youth.
- OnDa Spot Solution – A personalized service provider dedicated to meeting the cleaning needs of local families and workplaces.
- What you need to know – An online/print publication that celebrates outstanding women in our community through articles, artwork, and other creative content.
- RIPE Publisher – An organization that provides end-to-end self-publishing services, including editing, printing, and worldwide distribution.
- Sherman Systems LLC – A business that designs and sells electronic components for personal electric vehicles such as electric bicycles.
- sit next to – A mobile learning studio that provides students with personalized instruction and academic enrichment.
- sonofinity –A company that designs and markets a series of audio subwoofer speakers for large concert venues, nightclubs, and music festivals.
- smackin mac – A food truck serving a variety of freshly baked gourmet macaroni and cheese bowls made with fresh ingredients.
- style smart va – An online marketplace where beauty professionals can hire industry-trained virtual assistants.
- TMV operation – A virtual support agency supporting speech therapists and behavioral health therapists.
- Vasse Rendezvous – An outdoor event venue focused on social gatherings, entertainment, and other special celebrations.
- Williams Mobile Market Soul & Cajun Food Truck – A food truck specializing in American cuisine with a Louisiana twist.
What's next: The 2024 Fort Worth Business Plan Competition finals will be held on Thursday, May 9th at the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art. Details and registration information will be available soon.
