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MACOMB, IL (KHQA) — The Macomb Small Business Contest is an opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in starting a small business to participate in workshops and learn what it takes to run a small business.
Macomb Marketing and Downtown Development Coordinator Savannah Ballard said the competition provides entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to not only share ideas but also make new connections.
“What we heard from entrepreneurs who took the program in 2018 was how much they loved the networking opportunities and connections they were able to create, not only with community members, but also with others interested in starting a business. I mean, I thought highly of him,” Ballard said. ”
According to Ballard, there are currently three companies that participated in the first competition and are still enjoying success.
She says it means a lot to the City of Macomb to see these local businesses succeed.
“Not only the economic development part, but bringing unique and fun small businesses to our community is so exciting and fun and really brings that uniqueness to Macomb that all members of our community love. .”
One such company is Forgottonia Brewing, which won the inaugural competition in 2018.
Owner Sean West said his dream was to open a brewery and the competition helped make his dream a reality.
“I’ve been wanting to open a brewery for quite some time, so this contest came at just the right time,” West said. “They gave me a lot of great insight into how to open a business and what to think about before opening. They were also a great resource for me to consider my business plan.”
West said business has been booming since opening in 2019.
Now, he says, it’s time to use the workshop’s tools to maintain that momentum.
“At first, I thought if I build this, they’ll come,” West said, “but then I realized that I needed to do a little more than just build it.” Ta. “Here at the brewery, we have trivia, we have music, we have bingo, we have live music, we have food trucks. It always gives people another reason to get out. Masu.”
Entrepreneurial workshops will begin on February 13th and business pitches will take place on March 21st.
“It’s very exciting,” Ballard said. “Being able to talk to entrepreneurs and hear fun ideas and hear them being so excited about their small business and wanting to take their business to the next level. I’m really happy that I was able to do it.”
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