The American Farm Bureau Federation is again accepting applications for the
Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. The competition is for entrepreneurs who will
compete for $145,000 in startup funds.
The challenge, now in its third year, provides an opportunity for individuals
to showcase ideas and business innovations being cultivated in rural regions of
the country. It is the first national business competition focused exclusively
on rural entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses.
"Owners of all types of businesses across the food and agriculture supply
chain are encouraged to enter the competition," said Dr. Lisa Benson,
AFBF's director of rural development. "Through the challenge, we'll
provide 10 rural entrepreneurs with access to funding to take their businesses
to the next level."
Competitors are invited to submit for-profit business ideas related to food and
agriculture online at http://www.strongruralamerica.com/challenge.
All applications, which include a business plan, video pitch and photo, must be
submitted online by June 30. Judges will review the applications and provide
feedback to the participants.
The top 10 teams will be announced in October. This includes six teams which
will each win $10,000 in startup funds. The final four teams will then compete
in a live competition at the Farm Bureau's annual meeting in Phoenix this
January.