Build-Up Berkeley - The Berkeley County Development Authority

FIRST PLACE & PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER

Oakwood BBQ

SECOND PLACE WINNER

Sustainable Sand Solutions

THIRD PLACE WINNER

Cloud Nine Events

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

HAVE A START UP IDEA? LOOKING TO START A BUSINESS?

If you’re looking to start up a business in Berkeley County, Build-Up Berkeley is the perfect opportunity to get your business idea off the ground.

WHAT IS BUILD-UP BERKELEY?

Successful businesses create a better Berkeley County. Build-Up Berkeley will allow entrepreneurs from all walks of life access to much-needed capital to take their enterprise to the next level. Entrepreneurs will be provided with the opportunity to meet and network with business educators, experts, mentors, and successful business owners. The education series is designed for business plan development and will include information vital to business ownership.

SESSION 1

Introduction to Small Business and Business Plan Outline Part 1:

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

SESSION 2

Introduction to Small Business and Business Plan Outline Part 2:

Thursday, September 21st, 2023

SESSION 3

Financials and Legal, what you need to know about business structure, taxes and financial statements:

Thursday, September 28th, 2023

SESSION 4

Marketing Your Business:

Thursday, October 5th, 2023

SESSION 5

Credit, how to build it, and how your credit score affects your business:

Thursday, October 12th, 2023

SESSION 6

Personnel and Commercial Insurance information to help build you a successful business:

Thursday, October 19th, 2023

SESSION 7

*Business plan due by 5:00 p.m. (via link provided)*

Pitch Practice – Audio/Visual Flash Drive Due

Thursday, October 26, 2023

5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m

PITCH NIGHT

2023 Build-Up Berkeley

Live Presentation and Awards

(Open to the Public)

Thursday, November 2nd, 2023

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

EDUCATION AND AWARDS

All participants who complete the education series will receive educational credits provided by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College as well as professionally edited headshots provided by SC Studios.

Following the educational series, participants will submit a business plan and pitch before a panel of judges for a chance to win grant awards as follows:

Grand Prize Award:

$10,000 Award
Branding Package provided by SC Studios
One year membership provided by The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce

Second Place Award:

$3,000 Award

Third Place Award:

$2,000 Award

People’s Choice Award:

$1,000 Award

Regardless of whether the entrepreneur wins or not, each participant will receive valuable education and mentoring. The Build-Up Berkeley education sessions will introduce participants to the concepts, practices, and tools necessary for business success. Successful businesses build-up Berkeley!

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

There is no fee to enter Build-Up Berkeley.
Applicants may compete with either a new or existing business.
- New Business: A new business is defined as one that will start up within 120 days after the date of the award.
- Existing Business: An existing business is defined as a business who wishes to grow their business through new product or service development and plans to implement their expansion project within 120 days after the date of the award.

Businesses must be headquartered within Berkeley County, WV.
Businesses must be for-profit ventures.
One applicant per business may apply; the pitch will have one presenter pitching the business; the presenter should have a founder/co-founder role within the business.
Participants who earn a spot in the competition are responsible for attending all required education sessions, meetings, and events related to Build-Up Berkeley.
Participants who earn a spot in the competition are responsible for submitting a complete Business Plan.

Individuals may register by submitting their 30-second elevator pitch along with the Application and Participant Agreement Form.
Applications must be submitted by Monday, August 28, 2023 at 12:00 p.m