Bucks County Community College and several successful area business people are hosting a challenge for entrepreneurs looking for capital.
Through the contest, titled “Start Me Up Challenge,” $100,000 in funding will be available to the winning concepts. Motivated upstarts can pitch their ideas to local venture capitalists for a chance to win the backing money and mentorship.
“Similar to the TV show “Shark Tank,” venture capitalists from Bucks County will invest their own time, money and resources in their favorite concepts,” said Tracy Timby, dean of business studies at two-year community college.
The contest is making waves at the college through more than just the business department, as well. Stephanie Shanblatt, the president of the college indicated that the entire school is excited about the contest in the release. “It builds upon our efforts to infuse an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the college that provides a strong foundation for student success,” she said.
The process for applicants for the contest is beginning soon. Applications from Bucks County residents and community college students at least 16 years old will be accepted starting January 23. The submissions for that first round are due by February 23.
The contest will culminate with an in-person pitch session where applicants will meet at the college’s Bristol Township campus to present their ideas to the investors.
The investors for the contest include Bill Borchert Jr., Gene Epstein, Brett Kane, Ron Walker and Russ Coulon.
Entering the contest is free and those interested can find more specific information can visit startmeupbucks.com.
The community college provided the following biographies on the investors:
- Bill Borchert Jr. has been in the financial services and community banking industries for almost 30 years. He has been a business-owner and industry leader for over 25 years. Borchert founded IFS Inc. (financial planning for business owners) in 1985 and created BFS Group (executive and director benefit plans and financing strategies) in 1998. He has earned national recognition in the community and regional bank markets as a leader, speaker, and author on executive and director supplemental benefits and BOLI (bank-owned life insurance) financing strategies. Borchert is a regular speaker at business and sales conferences on topics such as “Thinking Big” and sales performance.
- Gene Epstein proved his business savvy at an early age when he opened a candy store with his mom at the age of 15 to help save their North Philadelphia home. True to his personal motto, “Never found a downside to working hard,” Epstein became a successful car dealer and real estate investor, and a champion of many charitable causes in education, unemployment and healthcare. Today, Epstein runs his family foundation with his wife Marlene and looks forward to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs through the Start Me Up Challenge.
- Brett Kane has extensive experience in business management, technology, human resources, sales and real estate. He held management positions at an internet infrastructure start-up and a high-tech engineering and manufacturing company, and currently manages his own real estate investments. Kane’s education includes technology, psychology, business management, and HR, studying at Baruch College of Business in Manhattan, Temple University, and other educational institutions. Kane is looking to invest in new opportunities through the Start Me Up Challenge.
- In 2003, Ron Walker and Russ Coulon took a $5,000 investment and turned it into a $500,000 internet business working just 10 hours a week. After being diagnosed with melanoma, Walker realized there was a need for quality sun-protection umbrellas for those who had melanoma or patients receiving chemotherapy. Walker and Coulon sell their patented brand of UV-Blocker umbrellas on Amazon and through the UV-Blocker website. Walker’s full-time job is President of Allied Electronics. Inc., and Coulon is the IT manager at Allied. Both bring expertise in business and internet marketing, as well as their manufacturing and purchasing contacts in China to the Start Me Up Challenge.
