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Now Accepting Applications for Ben Collins Memorial Entrepreneur Grant — Training and $7,500 in Grant Money to be awarded!

September 10, 2019

Thanks to a Community Development grant from Wells Fargo Foundation, Believe in Bristol will facilitate the 2019-20 Ben Collins Memorial Entrepreneur Grant Program and award a total of $7,500 in grant funding to TWO winning and innovative businesses for downtown Bristol!

Applications are open now through September 25th, 2019. Applicants will apply online at believeinbristol.org/business or in person at the Believe in Bristol office located at 20 6th Street, Bristol, TN.

Applicants will be notified by Friday, September 28th, 2019 if they are selected to move forward with the interview process. Applicant interviews will be scheduled the week of September 30th – October 3rd, 2019.

The top 10 businesses selected to move forward in the grant program will be notified by Friday, October 4th, 2019 of their acceptance into the five-week training program, ending in a Shark Tank style pitch competition. Judges from all walks of local entrepreneurialism will score contestants and the winner will be announced that day.

  • Week 1 – What is a Business Plan?
  • Week 2 – Business Structure: From a Tax and Legal Perspective
  • Week 3 – Discovering the Bottom Line & Cash Flow
  • Week 4 – Customer Service & Adaptability
  • Week 5 – Understanding Your Market
  • Pitch Day – Thursday, December 12, 2019 – (Location TBD)

The grant money is contingent on:

  • Opening or expanding a business in the Historic Main Street District of Downtown Bristol
  • Participation and attendance in a 5-week training course, which includes 2-hour classes and outside field work.
  • Becoming the top business selected by a panel of judges during the final pitch day event.
  • Opening or expanding your existing business by June 30, 2020.
  • This reimbursement grant maybe used for property ownership, leased space, business licenses, professional training, utilities, computer equipment, restaurant equipment, and/or other business supplies. A formal request to Believe in Bristol along with documentation will be required for the reimbursement.

Believe in Bristol is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization composed of dedicated citizens, business owners, government officials and other friends of Bristol who recognize the role a vital downtown plays in preserving and furthering our communities identity, spirit and economy.

For more information please contact the Believe in Bristol office at 423-573-2201.