Breaking News!  Main Street Beatrice names the winner of their $20,000 Business Plan Contest grant!

Business Plan Contest winner

Main Street Beatrice has named the recipient of its $20,000 Business Plan Contest grant.  Dan Owens submitted the winning Business Plan for his company "Lost Coast."

Lost Coast will be a retail clothing store providing the newest and most innovative products in the clothing industry.  The store plans to carry nationally recognized lines and hopes to potentially produce its own line.  Mr. Owens advised that Lost Coast will focus on quality and customer service for young-minded individuals who want a modern and casual look.

Dan Owens is a native of Hastings, Nebraska.  He relocated to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska where he pursued a degree in marketing.  For the successful operation of Lost Coast, Mr. Owens plans to capitalize on his professional experience, his education, and the years of retail clothing experience of his management team.  "I’m overwhelmed but very excited," stated Mr. Owens upon being named the grant recipient.  He plans to open this new downtown business within three months.

This contest was created by Main Street Beatrice in an effort to support downtown business development while helping individuals turn dreams into reality.  Mr. Owens’s Business Plan was selected from multiple other quality and sustainable plans during the contest period. 

Interested entrepreneurs were able to submit a formal Business Plan to the Main Street office between July 1 and September 30, 2009.  According to Main Street Beatrice, the grant funding could be applied to virtually any expenses associated with the creation of a new business including but not limited to obtaining supplies, renovating a building, paying utilities, and securing merchandise.  Main Street provided all applicants with resources that could assist with developing the business concept and Business Plan.

"This was a new program regarding small business development in Beatrice,” said Angela Fortier, Executive Director of Main Street Beatrice.  “We were pleasantly surprised by the number and the depth of applications submitted.  This really displays the level of professionalism and creativity of the public."  Although Main Street received multiple quality applications, the contest regulations stated there would be only one grant recipient.

"We sincerely congratulate Mr. Owens on being selected the winner of the grant,” said Linda Clabaugh, President of Main Street Beatrice.  "His Business Plan demonstrated a true entrepreneurial spirit, and we are thrilled to welcome him to downtown Beatrice."