Need Some Start-up Money? …. Build an App for That
– Mobile App Contest Will Award Utah Start-ups $45K for Best Apps –
OGDEN, October 10, 2012 – Grow Utah Ventures, Northfront Business Resource Center and Weber State University/StartUp Ogden announced its Mobile App “Concept to Company” contest today. The contest is open to all innovators and designers with a new application or software to be delivered on a mobile platform such as a smartphone or tablet device.
The contest is designed to help mobile app entrepreneurs turn their concepts into a company. “It couldn’t be easier and at the same time more challenging to launch a mobile app business,” said T. Craig Bott, President and CEO of Grow Utah Ventures. “The idea and the code are often the easy part. But its all the other things- the user experience, the marketing strategy, the strategic partners and of course the initial funding that make the difference, “ he continued. “That’s where the Mobile App Concept to Company contest comes in- those who apply and win this contest will be much further down the road in achieving their dreams.”
From among the entries, a small group of finalists will be selected to present their innovations to mobile app and industry experts who will judge the applicants. A grand prizewinner will be awarded $22,500 in cash and services. Two runner-up winners will each receive $11,250. Cash prizes are provided by Grow Utah Ventures, Zions Bank, Northfront Business Resource Center and StartUp Ogden which is part of Weber State University. Service prizes are offered by Grant Thornton (financial management services), Thorpe North and Western (IP legal services), and Bennett Tueller Johnson (general legal services) which are corporate sponsors of the 2012 contest.
“Utah is filled with bright and innovative developers and programmers, “said Alex Lawrence, Vice Provost at Weber State University and StartUp Ogden supporter. “This contest goes hand-in-hand with our goal to work with more mobile developers in Ogden,” he continued. “This initiative is focused on accelerating the creation and successful launch of mobile businesses by concentrating all that energy and innovation into a central location in downtown Ogden. This will put northern Utah on the map as the place to launch a mobile application business in Utah,” he concluded.
“We’re supportive of this vision and feel that the Mobile App Concept to Company Contest is a great way to kick start it,” said Steve Cloward, Executive Director of the Northfront Business Resource Center located in Kaysville. “Our resources and expertise are dedicated to helping all businesses in northern Utah, and through this contest, we are able to focus on those serving the mobile applications market,” he concluded.
In addition to the prizes, finalists will have the unique opportunity to present their winning innovations at the Pushbutton Digital Media Summit on November 29. The summit, sponsored by Grow Utah Ventures and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, is the state’s premier digital event bringing together all of the players across the spectrum of digital media. “This will be great exposure for the contest winners,” Bott added. “They will get cash, professional services, and receive the attention of the industry…. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Applications for this contest are due November 4th. To apply or get more details on this and other “Concept to Company” contests, visit www.ConceptToCompany.org
About Grow Utah Ventures
Grow Utah Ventures, is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to accelerate the creation of innovative, entrepreneur-led, high-growth businesses that will strengthen and expand the future growth of Utah’s economy. The vision of Grow Utah Ventures is to create a robust entrepreneurial eco-system in Utah that fosters entrepreneurial talent, drives innovation to solve market needs, aligns community resources and support, and ensures funding for products, entrepreneurs and businesses of promise.
The Concept to Company competitions, hosted by Grow Utah Ventures, are Utah’s premier ongoing innovation contests. They are held in various regions across the state and are focused on specific industries. To date, the contests have distributed more than $580,000 in prize money and services and have helped launch over 95 companies.
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/growutahventures
Twitter: @groutahventures ; #GrowUT
PR Contacts:
Justin Bott
Grow Utah Ventures
(801) 593-2269
info@growutahventures.com
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