Chamber

Entrepreneurs & small biz vie for $25k prize in Chamber’s 2014 Power Up Chapter Challenge

Posted on 14 Apr 2014 by Tenisha Waldo

The Charlotte Chamber kicks off its signature 2014 Power Up Chapter Challenge this month. The yearlong competition offers an opportunity for promising local entrepreneurs and small businesses to vie for a chance to win a $25,000 grand prize. Sign up today! Members and nonmembers may apply to participate.

Here’s how it works

Semifinalists across the chamber’s seven chapter footprints present their businesses’ stories to fellow chamber members during chapter luncheons. Presentations should identify issues faced in the attempt to grow and create jobs, and discuss successes and challenges along the way. Chapter members select a winner, who receives a prize package and the opportunity to compete in a November grand finale event to name an overall winner.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs should go to charlottechamber.com/powerup to apply to participate. There is no entry fee.

Who is eligible?

Small business owners and entrepreneurs who provide innovative products and services to support the growth of Charlotte’s economy are eligible to compete. The companies must be located in the Charlotte region and for-profit organizations with $1 million or less in total revenue. Franchises are not eligible. While members and nonmembers may apply to compete, selected chapter semifinalists will need to be chamber members in good standing to advance in the competition.

What are the prizes and benefits?

A cash prize and package of in-kind services from Charlotte Chamber member sponsors and Power Up partners will be awarded to each chapter-level winner. The grand prize will be an additional cash prize of $25,000 provided by Duke Energy.

Schedule

(Note: Dates and locations are subject to change.)

April 24: SouthWest Chapter
Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park
5700 Westpark Drive

The geographic regional boundaries for the SouthWest Chapter include the Wilkinson Boulevard, Freedom Drive and Westinghouse Boulevard corridors.

May 15: NorthWest Chapter
Drury Inn & Suites at Northlake Mall
6920 Northlake Mall Drive

The geographic regional boundaries for the NorthWest Chapter include uptown to I-85 north through I-77 north, including Highway 27 and Mountain Island Lake off Highway 16 and the Northlake Mall.

June 12: University City Chapter
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes Drive

The geographic regional boundaries for the University City Chapter include I-77, North Tryon Street, Eastfield Road, Old Statesville Road and parts of Harris Boulevard.

July 8: SouthPark Chapter
Maggiano’s Little Italy
4400 Sharon Road

The geographic regional boundaries for the SouthPark Chapter include Sharon Road and Fairview Road.

Aug. 7: Ballantyne Chapter
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway

The chamber’s Ballantyne Chapter footprint encompasses the southernmost tip of Charlotte, including near Highway 51, I-485 and Providence Road.

Sept. 23: Metro Chapter
The Westin Charlotte
601 S. College St.

The geographic regional boundaries for the Metro Chapter include Independence Boulevard, and Monroe, Albemarle and Sharon Amity roads.

Oct. 21: East Chapter
VanLandingham Estate
2010 The Plaza

The geographic regional boundaries for the University City Chapter include I-77, North Tryon Street, Eastfield Road, Old Statesville Road and parts of Harris Boulevard.

Nov. 19: Reception
Packard Place
222 S Church St.

Nov. 20: Grand Finale
LABEL Charlotte
900 NC Music Factory Blvd.

For a full list of upcoming chamber events, visit charlottechamber.com/events.