'Big Tasty' Contest Rewards New, Innovative Food Business Ideas

Sponsored by Blue Ridge Food Ventures and Mountain BizWorks with support from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund

Objective: To find and help grow a small business in North Carolina that wants to introduce a new food product or service to the market. Entries will be judged on their commercial appeal and business viability, as well as their flavor, unique qualities, and best use of local ingredients. Prizes valued at more than $10,000 in cash and services will be awarded.

Eligibility: Any North Carolina resident is eligible to submit a food product or food-related service that is not a packaged meat, dairy or low-acid product. The product cannot contain more than .5% alcohol. Other restrictions may apply.

Prizes: The grand prize winner gets $2,500 in cash and 100 free hours of incubator time, including use of the commercial kitchen and equipment at Blue Ridge Food Ventures. Up to two runners-up each receive $1,000 each and 50 hours of incubator time. All winners also receive a free Foundations Business Planning Course through Mountain BizWorks. In total, prizes valued at more than $10,000 in cash and services will be awarded.

Click here for contest rules, forms, and more!