Business Plan Grant Program. Application/Rules

Business Plan Grant Program Application/Rules 2017

MISSION The goal of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce s Business Plan Grant Program is to foster business development in Adams County through new business initiatives as well as business expansions. GENERAL INFORMATION Up to a total of $10,000 in grant money may be awarded among one or more selected businesses in Adams County, Illinois, that meet the specified application criteria and provide adequate documentation, including a business plan to support the grant request. The Grant Committee will meet once a month on or around the 15 th of each month to review applications. If no applications satisfy the application criteria, the committee has the right to determine that no one is eligible. Grant money will be given to the recipient in the form of reimbursement and will be disbursed only after adequate documentation including, but not limited to, receipts are submitted. The winner of any grant money must open for business within six (6) months or less after receiving confirmation that applicant has qualified for the grant. If the business is not open within 6 months of such notice, the recipient shall forfeit the grant money and hereby waives all claims to such grant money. All Applicants must read and review the Terms and Conditions form. To participate, Applicants must agree in writing to the rules, regulations, terms and conditions. In addition, the winner must sign the Grant Accountability form. Should the Grant Committee determine no business plan is acceptable, the Chamber in its sole discretion reserves the right to not award any grants. ELIGIBILITY 1. Grant applicants must agree to locate the company s principal place of business in Adams County, IL at the time of the award, and to maintain their principal place of business in Adams County, IL for no less than (3) three years thereafter. 2. The grant program is directed at for-profit businesses including start-ups and expansions of existing companies that plan to add staff as part of the proposed expansion. All applicants must demonstrate the ability to obtain additional financing from customary lenders, prove market feasibility, and be or become a full-time operation. 3. All applicants must demonstrate the ability to obtain additional financing from customary lenders, prove market feasibility, and be or become a full-time operation. 4. Applicants may submit business ideas in any field, including services, manufacturing, distribution, health care, Internet, consumer products, retail, technology, and other fields of commercial endeavor.

5. The following businesses are generally excluded: non-profits, existing organizations (unless a significant change is proposed), tax shelters, relocations, buy-outs, and real estate syndications. The Committee and/or the Grant Administrator may eliminate or include such businesses at its or his/her sole discretion. 6. If you are selected as a Chamber grant recipient, you agree to fill out a grant accountability form. 7. All Chamber staff and their immediate family members are excluded from participating in the Business Plan Grant Program. RULES OF PARTICIPATION 1. An authorized representative for each Applicant must read, review and sign the Terms and Conditions form on behalf of the business. By signing the Terms and Condition form, each Applicant is acknowledging and agreeing to the rules, regulations, terms and conditions of the Business Plan Grant Program, including without limitation, that: The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce ( Chamber ), the Business Plan Grant Administrator, and Grant Committee have the sole right to alter, amend, or supplement at any time and from time to time the rules, regulations, terms and conditions regarding the Business Plan Grant Program; all decisions regarding the Business Plan Grant Program, are in the sole discretion and judgment of the Committee. Each Applicant shall release and hold harmless the Chamber, its directors, officers, employee, and agents, the Business Plan Grant Program, its Administrator, Grant Committee, Participants, and all others associated with or assisting with the Business Plan Grant Program (collectively Released Party ) from any and all matters arising out of the Business Plan Grant Program; except direct damage to the Applicant caused by the willful misconduct of a Released Party. In any case, Released Party s financial liability and financial remedies available to Applicant in connection with the Business Plan Grant Program shall be limited to general money damages in a total amount not exceed any entrance fee paid by Applicant, if any. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, SHALL A RELEASE PARTY BE LIABLE FOR LIQUIDATED, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EXPENSES, OR COSTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, HOWSOEVER CAUSED AND EVEN IF THE POTENTIAL OF SUCH DAMAGES WAS DISCLOSED AND/OR KNOWN. 2. Each key person associated with the Applicant must include a résumé and list of references along with their business plan. 3. Before the recipient of the Business Plan Grant Program may receive any monetary or any related awards, assistance or incentives, the authorized representative of each grant award and recipient must agree to the terms and conditions for each

such prize and award as specified by the Business Plan Grant Program and organizations providing prizes and awards in the Grant Recipient Agreement. 4. All Business Plans must be the original work of the entering individual or partnership. Signature of Primary Partner: Partner 2: Date: SUBMISSION Recipients may submit their application by e-mailing the application to alta@quincychamber.org in a PDF format.

JUDGING CRITERIA General Rules and Guidelines 1. The Grant Committee may disqualify any application they believe violates the letter or spirit of the Business Plan Grant Program guidelines in its sole discretion. 2. The Judges will not disclose any proprietary information from the Applicant s business plan without prior consent of the Applicant; except where necessary to properly evaluate the business plan submitted by the Applicant. 3. Conflict of Interest Policy: The Committee agrees not to initiate a professional relationship with Applicants who have an active application in the Business Plan Grant Program. An application is considered active until the Committee has made a decision about it or until it has been withdrawn by the Applicant. A Committee member will recuse themselves from discussion about and voting on an Applicant to the Business Plan Grant Program if a Committee Member has an existing personal or business relationship with the Applicant. 4. The decision of the Committee is final, including its interpretation of the rules. THE SELECTION COMMITTEE WILL BASE THE BUSINESS PLAN GRANT PROGRAM ON THE FOLLOWING POINT SYSTEM Concept & Innovation 20 Points Demand for the product (provide market research) The innovative nature and technical feasibility of the idea Market opportunity (market and economic opportunity) Value proposition Is the opportunity reasonable and supported by a sound execution strategy Viability 50 Points Marketing Plan o Ability to reach initial customer o Sales strategy o Distribution plan (clearly defined and reasonable) Competitive Environment o Competitors o Competitive advantage o Competitive pressures Management o Planning/operations o Experience to lead new venture o Capability o Capacity (personal financial statement, résumé and credit report)

o Skills required to execute the plan Financials: o Pro-forma Statements (justification for projections/assumptions and supporting documentation) o Access to capital or appropriate collateral (i.e., loan ---- list collateral available; access to additional funding; provide as much support as possible) o Consistent financials with the overall plan o Realistic assumptions o Description of funding/resources required to execute the plan Sustainability Contingency plan & exit strategy Economic Impact Profitability to the region Job growth 20 Points *The Committee may also look at the overall writing capability and how well the plan was put together. * The Committee may request an oral presentation from the Applicant.

Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan Grant Application Date: Business Name: Physical Address: City: State: Zip Code: Email Address: Telephone Number: Type of Business: Have you applied for the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan Grant in the past? YES NO If yes, when Grant Awards will be up to $10,000. If your project exceeds this amount or if you do not receive the full amount requested, will your project be completed? YES or NO By signing this application, I certify that the information in this application is true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Chamber s Business Plan Grant Program, which are attached hereto and incorporated by reference. I understand and acknowledge that the Grant Committee reserves the right to withhold a grant if they do not determine that my business plan is economically feasible. Signature: Print Name: Date: *Signature: Print Name: Date: *A second signature is required if there is more than one business owner.

Terms and Conditions In consideration of the Chamber s reviewing for acceptance, or acceptance of, my entry in the Business Plan Grant Program, I hereby agree to the following: I have read, understand and agree to the Business Plan Grant Program Rules of Participation. The Chamber and Grant Committee (collectively Sponsor ) shall have the sole right to alter, amend or supplement at any time and from time to time the rules, regulations, terms and conditions regarding the Business Plan Grant Program. All decisions regarding the Business Plan Grant Program, including, without limitation, the selection of the recipient, is in the sole discretion and judgment of the Sponsor. Each Recipient, for himself and any teammate contestants, do hereby jointly and severally release and hold harmless the Business Plan Grant Program, the Chamber, the Sponsor, Grant Committee, other Business Plan Grant Program participants, those providing prizes, products or services for the Business Plan Grant Program, those persons or entities rendering professional advice to the recipients (such as attorneys, bankers, accountants, advertisers, marketers, and other consultants) who have donated their time and services for the Business Plan Grant Program, together with each of the foregoing s respective affiliates, employers, employees, directors, officers, representatives, volunteers, members, or agents (collectively, Business Plan Grant Program Officials ), in each case from and against any and all decisions, claims, liability, or expense related to or arising from recipient s entry or participation in the Business Plan Grant Program and the recipient s implementing its business plan (as the same may be altered or amended from time to time) submitted for the Business Plan Grant Program. In any case, Business Plan Grant Program Officials financial liability and financial remedies available to Recipient in connection with the Business Plan Grant Program shall be limited to general money damages in a total amount not exceed any entrance fee paid by Recipient, if any. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, SHALL A RELEASE PARTY BE LIABLE FOR LIQUIDATED, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EXPENSES, OR COSTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, HOWSOEVER CAUSED AND EVEN IF THE POTENTIAL OF SUCH DAMAGES WAS DISCLOSED AND/OR KNOWN. Additionally, Recipient acknowledges and agrees that developing or submitting a business plan and otherwise participating in the Business Plan Grant Program, together with any advice, feedback or other commentary that the Recipient may receive regarding his business plan, in no way validates or guarantees the business plan s viability, probability of success, ability to attract investment or financing, or profitability, and that implementing such business plan involves substantial risk of loss to contestant and others who may invest, finance or otherwise participate in any implementation of the business plan. The Business Plan Grant Program, and each Business Plan Grant Program Official, are each hereby authorized periodically to obtain such credit reports, credit, employment and personal references, and other information and to make such inquiries of any sources as any of them may deem appropriate concerning Recipient s credit worthiness, business and employment history and concerning the information and submissions provided by the Recipient in connection with the Business Plan Grant Program, in each case for use of Business Plan Grant Program Officials making evaluations and decisions in connection with the Business Plan Grant

Program, and Recipient hereby waives any claims against, and fully releases from any and all claims or liability, Business Plan Grant Program Officials in connection with such information, inquiries, uses and decisions. Any person to whom this form is presented is authorized to disclose to Business Plan Grant Program Officials any information requested concerning Recipient s credit worthiness or for Business Plan Grant Program Official s periodic use in connection with its evaluations and decisions as to contestant, and contestant hereby waives any claims against and fully releases from any and all claims or liability, such persons by reason of any such disclosures and uses. This form and all information secured pursuant to its authority shall be and remain the property of the Business Plan Grant Program whether or not recipient wins or withdraws from the Business Plan Grant Program. The Business Plan Grant Program recipient must agree to commence business activities within 60 days of being announced as the winner. Business activities include but are not limited to: acquiring necessary business licenses and permits, producing marketing and promotional materials and/or selling products and/or services to customers. Neither the Grant Committee nor any Business Plan Grant Program officials are required to disclose any information to contestants regarding the scoring of the final submission of business plans. The Grant Committee s decisions are final. Each of the undersigned s signatures below constitutes consent and agreement, to these Terms and Conditions of entry and participation in the Business Plan Grant Program and to the other agreements and representations set forth in this Application. By signing, I represent and warrant that all information that I have or will submit to the Business Plan Grant Program is true and correct in all material respects. Signature of Primary Partner: Partner 2: Partner 3: Partner 4: Date:

**BUSINESS PLAN CHECKLIST 1. COVER PAGE Name of Business Address Telephone number Website/E-mail Address Name(s) of Principal(s) 2. COVER LETTER OR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Name of Business Legal form of Business Goals and objectives of the plan Amount of money needed How the funds will be used The effect this use of funds will have on the business 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS 4. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is generally the first section reviewed by a reader of your plan. It may be the only section read, therefore, it is critical that it communicates the important facts about your business. As the name implies, it is a summary, generally no more than two pages in length. It will include the critical factors from all the sections of the business plan which follow in more detail. It does not include financial statements or projections. Because the summary is based on the information which follows. It is usually easier to write this section last, simply picking the key points from the more detailed sections.

5. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Overview of product or service offered Legal structure of company Names of positions of principals 6. MARKET ANALYSIS In this section, you will describe what you will sell, to whom you will sell it, and how you will sell it. Detailed description of product or service offered Discussion of need(s) filled by product or service Detailed description of potential customers including information on how they make their buying decisions, (i.e. whether it is purely based on price, based on convenience, because of perceived prestige, etc.). It should also identify how potential customers become aware of your type of product or service (By driving to your store? By searching on the Internet or seeing advertising? By word of mouth?) Total market potential based on your customer profile Competitors, including an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses relative to your product or service Pricing Action plan for how you will market your product or service to potential customers, including timeline and list of cost for promotions. 7. MANAGEMENT This section highlights those skills which are necessary to successfully run your business and demonstrates that those skills are present in the business itself. If outside resources are used to supplement the principal s skills, these are also outlined. Brief personal and work history of the principals (detailed résumés may appear in the supporting documents later in the plan) Salaries, duties, and responsibilities of key personnel Outside resources to be used by the business for critical functions, including the cost of resources

8. OPERATIONS This information may or may not be combined with the section on management. It is a detailed discussion of how you will produce your goods or deliver your service. Human resources necessary for the production of goods or delivery of services. Production methods and flow charts (if applicable) How the goods or service is made available to potential customers (such as method of delivery) 9. USE OF FUNDS If the plan is being used to obtain financing, this section includes specific information on: How the funds will be used Why and how this use of funds will benefit the business 10. FINANCIAL INFORMATION This is the only section not included in the Executive Summary. The information here must be as specific and complete as possible, but presented in an easily readable form. Financial statements are most effective in obtaining financing when they follow certain generally-accepted formats, which are available from your local Small Business Development Center, SCORE office, or any basic accounting textbook. Financial information presented should include: The amount, sources, and use of capital being invested in the business A personal financial statement listing all personal assets and liabilities from all principals (These forms can be obtained from most lending institutions). Credit report (Credit reports may be obtained once annually free of charge. Please consult www.annualcreditreport.com for more information.) Beginning balance sheet, and projected balance sheet and income statements for two years Break-even analysis Cash flow projections for at least one year (also called a pro-forma cash flow analysis)

11. SUPPORTING INFORMATION Many types of information can be included in this section. There are only two unbreakable rules information MUST be relevant, and it should communicate something worthwhile about your business. Topics which might be in this section include: Brief résumés of the principals Letters of intent from potential customers Letters of recommendation (relevant to your product or service, or the operation of your business) Leases Franchise agreements Special awards or recognitions (relevant to your business itself or your business skills) Useful websites: SCORE: www.score.org Quincy Tri-State SCORE: www.score-tristate.org Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov State of Illinois SBA: www.sba.gov/il Great River Economic Development Foundation: www.gredf.org City of Quincy: www.ci.quincy.il.us Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development: www.illinoisbiz.biz U.S. Patent Office: www.uspto.gov U.S. Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov Kauffman Foundation: www.entreworld.org U.S. Census Bureau: www.census.gov Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce: www.quincychamber.org **SOURCE: A Dreamer s Workshop: Exploring Your Dream by SCORE