After keeping our lips sealed for more than a month, ROI Online can finally announce that we are one of the winners of 2015 Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge! ROI, along with six other local businesses, split a $500,000 grant courtesy of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.
Following the qualification process in the fall, ROI attended several workshops, strategy meetings and interviews before submitting a final business plan in January. Nine businesses made it to the finals where each had to present their plan in front of five independent judges. Nine businesses made it to the finals where each had to present their plan in front of five independent judges.
Needless to say, there were many late nights, a lot of stress eating, scary mood swings and dozens upon dozens of proofs of our business plan (sorry, trees), but it was all worth it in the end. The Enterprize Challenge not only awarded us a sizeable grant, but it also gave us the opportunity to create a proper business plan and establish a company culture code.
The community also voted ROI Online as their favorite Enterprize Challenge Finalist! Votes cast in the People's Choice Award contest, presented by AGN TV, did not affect the actual judging and awarding of the grant money.
We are grateful to the WT Enterprise Center for investing in us and believing in us. Congratulations to all the winners:
- 3rd Coast Soda
- Circle 21 Candles
- Evocation Coffee Roasters
- PlanIt Wed
- Process Art House
- Zynia Business Solutions
We are excited to be a part of such a successful, dedicated group of entrepreneurs working in Amarillo’s vibrant economy. We look forward to what 2015 and the future hold for ROI Online. Thank you to our friends, family, and community for standing by us!
To learn more about the EnterPrize Challenge, click here.
photo by Shannon Richardson
