In 2020, the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs (BCE) will be awarding prizes, holding free brown bag discussions, and expanding the ways it serves small businesses in the four counties surrounding the Village of Bluffton.

The Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition, which begins on Wednesday, January 15, will award $7500 in prizes to new businesses and improving 45817 businesses. Spaces are limited and the Emerging Business division has just three seats left. 

To register or learn more about the business plan, visit BlufftonEntrepreneurs.com.

Brown Bag Discussions continue with a session on Succession Planning with Tim Sieschott, a BCE board member and financial advisor serving all First National Bank offices. Tim will lead a free small group discussion at noon on January 30 at Bluffton Town Hall, 3rd floor. Please RSVP at [email protected] or 567-525-6667. Dessert will be served and you can bring your lunch.

Future brown bag topics include creating and upgrading websites, accepting electronic payments, pop-up shops and retail in 2020, digital storytelling, workplace wellness, and conducting focus groups.

The BCE is now holding coffee hours, a chance to chat with BCE staff Paula Scott and Nicole McConnahea. Drop in on Tuesdays from noon-1 p.m. and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. at the Twisted Whisk Cafe, 101 S Main St, Bluffton. Scheduling updates will be posted on the BCE’s Facebook page and Google listing.

The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs is a business incubator serving Allen, Hancock, Hardin, and Putnam counties.