[CPN] RELEASE: AppIt Ventures named for top small business plan in the City and County of Denver

	City and County of Denver Office of Economic Development   Derek Woodbury Marketing/Public Relations Specialist O. 720.913.1608 derek.woodbury@denvergov.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AppIt Ventures named for top small business plan in the City and County of Denver Denver Office of Economic Development wraps up its first ever JumpStart Biz Plan Awards DENVER, CO ­— Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 — AppIt Ventures was named the grand prize winner of the Denver Office of Economic Development’s JumpStart Biz Plan Awards at a judging event earlier today. The honored business receives a $50,000 cash award, free office space for a year, and mentoring resources to assist the firm with its future growth in Denver.   More than 150 businesses applied for the City’s first ever business plan competition earlier this summer. Applicants represented a wide variety of industries including technology, health care, biotechnology, finance, renewable energy and hospitality.   “The quality of business plans presented in this inaugural program has been truly inspiring,” said Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “Each of these entries further illustrates the strength and vitality of Denver’s small business climate. Our city has no shortage of promising entrepreneurial gems, and we are committed to helping our businesses grow and stay right here in our world-class city."   AppIt Ventures was one of three finalists competing for the grand prize at today’s event. Each finalist presented a business plan overview and answered questions from a judging panel comprised of representatives from award program sponsors.   AppIt Ventures helps entrepreneurs write business plans, grow their business and get access to funding. AppIt Ventures also builds custom mobile applications through an affordable revenue-sharing model where it provides strategic consulting and post-launch marketing strategies to help its clients succeed.   In addition to the $50,000 cash award, the grand prize includes one year of office space at Galvanize, 35 hours of legal counsel provided by Polsinelli Shughart, 60 hours of tax/accounting services provided by Deloitte, 60 hours of strategic marketing services from dovetail solutions, social media consulting from WideFoc.us, and entrepreneurship mentoring from TiE Rockies.   “Small business is one of our core components of economic development for the City,” said OED Executive Director Paul Washington. “We’re proud to honor AppIt Ventures and to help boost their development through the awards program prize package.”   JumpStart Biz Plan sponsors include Galvanize, Polsinelli Shughart, Deloitte, dovetail solutions, WideFoc.us, TiE Rockies and Business Catapult.   The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) is dedicated to advancing economic prosperity for the City of Denver, its businesses, neighborhoods and residents. Working with a wide variety of community partners, OED operates to create a local environment that stimulates balanced growth through job creation, business assistance, housing options, neighborhood redevelopment and the development of a skilled workforce.   ###