Veterans Business Battle ranks #1 for investments given to Veteran-owned start-ups
HOUSTON, Dec. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Veterans Business Battle offered veteran-owned business start-ups more investments than any other business plan competition this year and the total investment offers place it among the highest awards for business plan competitions nationwide.
The competition, hosted by the Houston chapter of the global non-profit Entrepreneurs' Organization and Rice University's Veterans in Business Association, offers veterans seeking investment capital a chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors. During the inaugural event in 2015, more than $900,000 of investment offers were extended to finalists.
The investment offers place Veterans Business Battle among the top business plan competitions in the country, with far more investment offers extended than other competitions.
The 2015 totals come as Veterans Business Battle gears up for a second year. Applications are now being accepted for the February 2016 competition.
To compete in the 2016 competition, individuals or teams must apply on the competition's website, www.vetbizbattle.com, by January 8. Finalists will be notified in early February of their invitation to participate in the Feb. 27-26 event at Rice University.
"We're thrilled at the success Veterans Business Battle had in its first year and hope to continue to grow the competition," Executive Director Phil Butcher said. "It's our goal to surpass $1 million in investments offers in 2016. We want to help as many veteran-owned businesses as possible."
The investment offers come in the form of loans and equity investments in the company.
Veterans Business Battle, which partners with the U.S. Small Business Association, Amegy Bank, the City of Houston and Rice University, is open to both start-ups and existing businesses ready to grow.
Sarah Ford, owner of Ranch Road Boots, received $300,000 of investment at the 2015 event, enabling her to launch a ready-to-wear line of western boots inspired by her grandfather's classic styles.
"I absolutely wouldn't be where I am without Veterans Business Battle," she said. "I wouldn't have inventory to sell."
Veterans Business Battle was established in 2015 by The Houston chapter of Entrepreneurs' Organization and Rice University's Veterans in Business Association. The competition aims to foster entrepreneurship among veterans, grow veteran-owned businesses and give back to veterans seeking to make a difference in the business world. For more information, visit www.vetbizbattle.com
Contact: Sara Yonker, 713-296-0004
[email protected]
SOURCE Entrepreneurs' Organization-Houston
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