JLBA to offer young entrepreneur award

Feb. 23, 2021 | Amy Porter
amyporter@thewestfieldnews.com

HILLTOWNS – The Jacobs Ladder Business Association (JLBA) is offering a $250 prize to the best business proposal from a Western Massachusetts Hilltowns high school student or team of students. To be considered, applicants must reside in an area Hilltown.

“Small business is the lifeblood of the hilltowns. People with cottage industries started real small, out of their basement or garage.  We always like to encourage entrepreneurship, but we especially like to do it with young people,” said Michele Kenney, secretary and membership director for the JLBA.

To apply for the award, young people must fill out the application posted on jlba.org, which includes the proposed name of the business and description, a proposed budget and marketing strategy.  All of the completed application materials must be sent to JacobsladderBA@gmail.com by May 1.

In addition to submitting a proposal, applicants will be expected to “pitch” their idea via Zoom during the May 13 JLBA virtual meeting. This can include a video or live presentation, which must not exceed five minutes. JLBA members/board members will ask questions of the applicants for an additional period not to exceed five minutes. JLBA members will then vote on the winning business idea, and will notify applicants of their decision within two weeks.

Kenney said business ventures that have an immediate or short term implementation plan will be given a priority. In addition to the cash prize, winners will have access to business assistance through the Hilltown Community Development Corporation, such as training and consultants to help with areas like setting up bookkeeping, and keeping track of business taxes.

“If you have a good idea about starting your business, we’d like to help you make it happen,” Kenney said. 

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