Made in FredVA Business Plan Competition Recap
Oh my gosh, what a whirlwind last week was. Did it even happen?
After a ton of preparation and research, I finally gave my presentation for the Fredericksburg Gift Box to the Made in FredVA Business Plan Competition. A lot of work and love went into that presentation. I spent the last few weeks researching numbers, making projections, brainstorming ideas...it was a lot! But it was a good practice to do; it's good to see those numbers, to make some goals, and to see what you COULD do if you put a little effort into it. And even as nervous and anxious as I was, I won't lie, I think I rocked it.
Thursday night's presentation went by so quickly between watching the other finalists, giving my presentation, snacking on some tasty treats, meeting new people and...I WON THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE! Oh my goodness, I couldn't believe it. It's a cash prize of $500 and it certainly won't go to waste! That's pretty darn awesome and I am so proud and so thankful.
Friday morning, I was asked to speak as a finalist at the Fred Xchange which is a startup community space here in Fredericksburg. It was another great place to meet new people and other startups from around the area. Last week was so good to break out of my shell and meet so many other business owners in the area.
Despite not winning the BIG prize, I totally still feel like a winner and I was excited to get my product out there and gain some exposure. I LOVE the gift box, I love working with other local businesses, and I love giving back to my community in a way I know how. I still plan on using my business plan and keeping up with the numbers to help the gift boxes grow, and I'm excited for the holiday season coming up as we have lots of pop-up shops coming!
Here's where we will be:
Merry Market | November 20 & 21
Ladyburg | December 4 & 11
Last, but certainly not at all least, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of those who voted, called/texted/emailed, came to the event...you guys showed this girl some serious love and support these past few weeks and I am so thankful to each and every one of you for being there for me during this time. I can't thank you enough as it's because of you that I even made it as far as I did. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Adrian of Sprelly with the Opening Remarks
Giving my presentation
Receiving the People's Choice
With the other finalists