The 2009 Business Plan Writing Contest

We just recently completed the 2009 Access Florida Finance Corporation Business Plan Writing Contest and the response was fantastic! Ms. Selena Alexander, owner of Naturally “U” Braid Studio, Inc., in Tallahassee took home first place and $2,500. Mr. Anthony Knighton, owner of DIY Auto Hobby Shop, Inc., in Jacksonville took second place and $1,500. Mr. Rickey Singleton, owner of Budget Battery Co., in Jacksonville came in third and won $1,000. Dr. Charles Evans, the Associate Dean of the Business School at Florida A&M University sponsored Budget Battery and won an equal prize. The three finalists competed in Orlando in conjunction with the Office of Supplier Diversity MatchMaker Conference.

Scoring the plans was extremely difficult as the quality and quantity of the plans submitted far exceeded the judges’ expectations. Our thanks go out to the panel of legislative judges; Representative Jennifer Carroll, Representative Mia Jones, Senator Christopher Smith, Representative Geraldine Thompson and Representative Perry Thurston. The Executive Director of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislatures, Mr. Ecitrym LaMarr and the Executive Director of the Office of Supplier Diversity, Mr. Torey Alston also made great contributions to the success of the Contest and receive our warm thanks.

The 2010 Business Plan Writing Contest is now underway. Do not miss this opportunity to experience the excitement and exuberation of competing with other entrepreneurs just like you. The 2009 finalists gained much more than a quality business plan and prize money. They had the opportunity to collaborate with their peers, legislatures, state officials and experienced the overall quality of the MatchMaker Conference.