Do you have the next great idea? Whether it’s a new app, product, store, consulting business, services company, manufacturer, seasonal venture, etc., the Bradford Area Alliance wants to help you bring that idea to life.

Applications are now open for the sixth annual Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition. This year, the competition is offering a total of $31,000 in funding to allow all finalists to receive monetary prizes.

The Grand Prize of $20,000 will be awarded to the first place finalist, $5,000 will be awarded for the Fan Favorite Award (selected by the audience), and $2,000 will be awarded to each of the remaining finalists. The Live Pitch Event will be hosted Oct. 28 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

The competition is open to anyone starting a new business or an existing business expanding with a new venture in the Bradford area — including the City of Bradford, Borough of Lewis Run, Bradford Township, Corydon Township, Foster Township, Lafayette Township and Cyclone.

“Since launching this competition, we’ve been continually inspired by the passion, creativity and determination of our applicants,” said Carolyn Boser Newhouse, executive director of the Bradford Area Alliance. “Six years in, the competition remains a powerful platform that highlights the courageous individuals chasing their dreams. These entrepreneurs are both building businesses and shaping the future of our region.”

Interested parties should visit BradfordAreaAlliance.com for more information and to fill out the online contact form. The Alliance will then assist in developing a 2- to 3-page business plan outline and discuss available resources and support. The deadline for applying and submitting business plan outlines for the competition is Sept. 5. Finalists are selected by an independent committee and will participate in the Pitch Event on Oct. 28 at Pitt-Bradford’s Mukaiyama University Room. The Pitch Event is open to the public.

“There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who are truly excited to see you grow. The competition brought together a community that recognizes entrepreneurial passion, like mine, and supports it,” stated Mayva Sturzenbecker, business owner of Groovy Glaze and 2024 Business Competition Grand Prize Winner.

To ensure the continuation of this annual competition and to grow new jobs in the area, the Harvey L. Golubock Bradford Business Competition Fund has been established at the McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF). For additional information regarding investment opportunities in this fund, call the MCCF at (844) 238-2289 or reach out to Newhouse at (814) 598-1519.

This year’s competition is made possible through sponsorship and support of the Blaisdell Foundation, Halloran Philanthropies, McKean County Community Foundation, Northwest Bank, Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.