SOUTHERN UTAH – Entrepreneurs with new products or existing businesses who believe they have the next “big thing” are being sought for the upcoming 2014 Concept to Company contest. With cash prizes totaling $20,000 and services worth $25,000, Southern Utah economic development organizers want to identify and encourage entrepreneurs who bring value-added growth to the area.

There is no cost to apply, and applications will be accepted through May 1.

Applications will be received from throughout the state, with Iron, Washington, Kane, Garfield and Beaver counties receiving special preference. To register and see complete contest rules, please visit www.concepttocompany.org. Contact Jared Goodspeed at [email protected] for more information.

Although it is not required, staff from USTAR and the Utah Small Business Development Center in both Cedar City and St. George will be available by appointment to review entries prior to submission.

“We want to help applicants submit their best entries,” said Jill Elliss, director of USTAR South.

The competition focuses on general technology. Josh Little, chair of SEED Dixie and a managing partner of Durham, Jones and Pinegar’s St. George office, a 2014 sponsor, said the category is very broad.

“It can include any innovation that creates, supports or utilizes technology,” Little said. “Our focus is on companies that solve consumer needs and business problems and market to customers outside the region.”

That includes tools, gadgets, inventions, mobile apps that direct services and a variety of other products. Existing companies with new products, as well as startups, may enter the contest if their product idea is in the pre-revenue phase.

This year’s prizes include:

• Grand prize winner – $20,000 total package; $10,000 cash, $5,000 in-kind and $5,000 in consulting services
• Two runners-up – $10,000 total package: $5,000 cash, $2,500 in-kind and $2,500 in consulting services
• In-kind services including legal counseling from Durham, Jones and Pinegar Law, accounting services from Savage, Esplin & Radmall, CPAs and web development from OverAct Development Technology Partners, as well as consulting from the USTAR, SEED Dixie and Utah Small Business Development Center.

Concept to Company contests throughout Utah have awarded more than $775,000 in cash and services over the past five years.

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