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Willingness to assume risk, with the possibility of reaping rewards, might be one definition of entrepreneurship.

Many people who report to supervisors might hope to one day launch a business of their own.

Few have the opportunity to land a $10,000 award to bring their idea to fruition.

In an effort to attract small businesses to its communities, the Monongahela River Valley Coalition has announced a new business plan contest.

The Sustainable Marketplace for Arts, Artisans, Recreation and Trending (SMAART) initiative will award three winning entrants $10,000 each in cash and services to launch a business idea in new or existing locations.

Donna Holdorf is executive director of the National Road Heritage Corridor, a coalition partner and its fiscal agent.

“The goal is to develop the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Mon Valley, which has seen its share of downturn. Part of the (coalition’s) effort is focused on revitalizing those areas. … How do we connect the communities to the river? How do we reinvigorate these beautiful downtown areas?” Holdorf said.

The coalition acknowledged the Oil Region Alliance’s “Get On The Trail” entrepreneurial contest for guidance and direction, and credited Donn Henderson, Charleroi Borough manager, for launching the local SMAART pilot program.

“I think the fact that we’re kind of working together with a bunch of communities is unique. The hope is to get the interest,” Henderson said.

“We realize we are not going to attract 10 new shoe stores in Charleroi again. Those days are gone. … We are not gearing toward traditional retail,” he said.

The coalition is hopeful that as it works toward river cleanup and access improvements, businesses will be encouraged to locate in the communities, Henderson said.

The project is being funded in part through the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

Holdorf said the potential for business pitches is “pretty wide.”

“They need to fit into one of those (SMAART) niches, but it’s pretty broad,” she said.

A graphic design business, for instance, could fall under the category of “arts,” she said.

“Recreation” could include a plan to open a paddle boat or canoe and kayak start-up.

Existing businesses looking to expand or improve their business may qualify, Holdorf said, as long as the plan goes beyond adding square footage.

“Our focus is more on strong business plans that can really contribute to the community,” she said.

Holdorf noted that niche businesses have sprung up in communities like Connellsville and Rockwood in Somerset County, in response to increased use of the Great Allegheny Passage.

“The whole idea is to create visitor destinations along the Monongahela River. That helps enhance the economy of those communities,” she said.

Two proposals located in Charleroi and one proposal from one of the other eligible river town communities — Monongahela, Fredericktown/Marianna, Brownsville, West Brownsville, California/Coal Center, Rices Landing, Greensboro and Point Marion — will be selected.

SMAART is sponsoring a series of workshops, held in the Charleroi Borough Building, to educate interested parties on the basics of starting a small business.

Holdorf said that while only three awards will be given, SMAART has several partners who may be able to offer guidance and technical support to other candidate.

It’s possible some of the applicants may end up finding partners, Holdorf said.

Potential applicants are required to attend at least two workshops, and can earn three points in the judging criteria for each one attended.

Henderson said anyone interested in starting a business, with or without a business plan in hand, can attend.

They are: “The First Step: The Mechanics of Starting a Small Business,” June 9; and “The Second Step: Creating a Business Plan,” June 23, both presented by the Small Business Development Center; UpTo Main Street Marketing Resource Center, open July 20-31; “Show Me the Money,” July 14, by Washington County Council on Economic Development; “Financing Your Business 1,” Aug. 11; “Financing Your Business 2,” Aug. 18, Washington County Council on Economic Development and Community Bank; “Why Branding Matters,” Sept. 17, UpTo Main Street; amd “Know Your Customer,” River Town Program and the National Road Heritage Corridor, Oct. 6.

Applicants must submit a draft business concept. Semi-finalists must produce and present a final business plan before the SMAART Business Advisory Council during the selection process.

Entries will be accepted through Sept. 30. Five copies are required and can be hand-delivered or mailed to Henderson at 138 Fallowfield Avenue, Charleroi, PA 15022.

Contest dates and deadlines can be found on the MRVC website.

Winners will be announced in November.

Read more: https://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourmonvalley/yourmonvalleymore/8442856-74/business-coalition-smaart#ixzz3cWBvXfQb
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