Scotiabank has partnered with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to launch a business plan competition that will see the winner earn a $500,000 start-up business account with the bank.
According to a release from Scotiabank, the competition is part of its observances to mark Small Business Week – September 21st to September 25th— and it will be open to existing and potential small business owners.
They can all enter the competition by using the bank’s free online plan writer tool to prepare a business plan, which must be submitted to the bank before October 23, 2015. The tool can be accessed at guyana.scotiabank.com under the small business tab.
Subsequently, entries can be submitted via email to Jennifer.cipriani@scotiabank.com or by hardcopy addressed to Jennifer Cipriani, Manager Marketing, Scotiabank, 63 Robb Street, Georgetown.
The competition is open to Guyanese residents 18 years and above, who are interested in starting a business; as well as existing small business owners who are desirous of expanding their business.
The finalists identified after a preliminary round of judging will then be required to pitch their business idea to the judges on “Scotiabank Money Moves,” a television show which is usually aired on Wednesdays on NCN Channel 11 from 8.05 pm. It is during this show that members of the public will have an opportunity to vote for their favourite pitch.
According to the bank, the date of the pitch will be advertised.
Further, it said, daily tips will be advertised in all the daily newspapers, the bank’s Facebook page and on the radio programme “Scotiabank Money Minute” aired on 98.1 Hot FM at 7.30am Monday to Friday.
The option to stream the show, to target a wider audience, is also being explored.
Additionally, the released stated, the competition will be judged via an independent panel comprising members of the Georgetown Chamber and Scotiabank business banking officers.
