In 2005, Guardian Bank and the Chamber teamed up to create this competition to encourage excellence in the planning stages of new businesses and to ensure that more of these local businesses succeed. At the end of the 8 month long competition, the winner receives $15,000 in start-up capital from Guardian Bank and over $40,000 in in-kind services from Chamber members. In turn, winners must commit to hiring university or technical college graduates, which creates jobs that keep graduates in Valdosta.

Contact us today for your 2011 application.

Robbin Miller, SEGA Medical Research, was the 2009 Guardian Bank Business Plan Competition Winner.

"Working with a business coach assigned by the Chamber, and attending numerous seminars, classes and after-hours events helped me to broaden my business knowledge and find the courageto go forward with her plans."