NCWEDD introduces Supernova BLC for small businesses

BREWSTER – Alyce Brown, Marketing and Events Manager for the North Central Washington Economic Development District (NCWEDD) was a featured speaker at the regular monthly meeting of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday, Feb. 5. Brown was there to introduce the Supernova Business Launch Competition (BLC), the mission of which is to encourage for-profit small business ventures to expand in North Central Washington by offering a $10,000 award together with $5,500 in professional services and prizes to one lucky recipient to help launch its business plan.
“We take in Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan and Ferry counties as well as the Colville Confederated Tribes,” said Brown. “If you are looking to start a business or are a small business looking to expand into one of these counties you can apply for Supernova.”
Competitors may apply until May 4 by submitting their business plans to Supernova’s professional vetting board. Applications are available online at supernovablc.com. All entries must be electronically submitted no later than 5 p.m. PST on Monday, May 4. The BLC board will select 16 semifinalists from which four finalists will be chosen. The winner will be announced at the Supernova Main Event on August 20.
Brown said during the application process Supernova will offer tutorials for those compiling and entering business plans into the online website.
“We’re going to offer classes free to anyone who applies with Supernova,” said Brown. “they are going to help you with developing a business plan, with marketing and pretty much everything that we are going to be asking for in these business plans we are going to offer classes throughout our region.”
Supernova will also offer business tours in the region for applicants during the competition.
“We have partnered up with Link Transit and on May 17 we will bring you around to opportunity zones and discussing what is involved within these zones and why your business would make in opportunity zones,” said Brown. “We’re also going to look at various vacant buildings throughout our region that would be available.”
The Supernova selection committee will base its judging on a point system with values allotted in the following categories:
● Concept and Innovation: 30 points
● Viability: 40 points
● Management: 30 points
● Financials: 30 points
● Economic Impact: 30 points
Bonus Point Considerations: Up to 60 extra points will be allotted for:
● Location in Business Opportunity Zone: 30 points
● Sector Bonuses: 10 points per sector
● Special Determinants of Health (State Department of Health) Factors: 15 points per SDoH Factor.
● Proof of attendance at Supernova offered classes, workshops, and webinars: 10 points per class.
Brown said this is the first year that NCWEDD has hosted the Supernova competition.