OAOnline:
The West Texas Entrepreneur competition is scheduled to kick off Feb. 1. Jeremy “Mr. Spring” Ray is looking for people 18 and older to comprise six teams of six people each.
Ray said the contest was inspired by both the American and British versions of “The Apprentice” as well as a popular contest in his former hometown of Abilene.
“I felt like we could have a competition like that on a smaller scale,” Ray said.
The contest will judge the entrepreneurs’ abilities in marketing, sales, recruiting, organizing and constructing a business plan, Ray said.
Ray will use his businesses to give the contestants weekly tasks. But he’s also looking for outside businesses to get involved.
Contestants will actually do work for the companies, in return for the businesses putting up between $100 and $500, Ray said. He would like to offer a $3,000 first prize if he gets the sponsors. And there is no entry fee for contestants.
Any entrepreneur residing in West Texas can compete. Go here for more information.
Photo by MSDesign.