TDC’s second annual, Start-up Business Plan Competition concluded on May 11th with presentations on a range of business ideas. Judges from the world of entrepreneurial development, small businesses, and venture capital evaluated the applicants on commercial potential, innovation, feasibility, and on their ability to pitch their business plans at a public forum. 

Pictured from left to right: Todd Napier, TDC; Danny Smith, Boulder Booties; Michelle McDonald, NuGenRe; Greg Shutt, Accordant Software; Shawn Carson, Tech 2020; Linda Poland, Heavenly Criterz; Frank Podlaha, Knoxville Robots; Eric Bernstein, Streamline Group

First Place:  Streamline Group
		First and only business source for electronic mailing with integrated billing and direct pay solutions and services.
First Runner-Up:  Boulder Booties
		Product to protect the specialized climbing shoes worn while rock climbing
Second Runner-Up:  Knoxville Robots
		Retail, training, and public meeting facility for robot enthusiasts, engineers, inventors, and educators

First and second place winners will receive business development packages including complimentary business consulting services from local providers, cash for start-up costs, and free rent during their start-up at Fairview Technology Center – the TDC managed business innovation center.

For more information on the competition, please visit www.knoxdevelopment.org or contact Todd Napier, Executive Vice President, The Development Corporation of Knox County at 865-546-5887.