Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
An Advantage West press release: A new contest offers a food entrepreneurs a chance to bring a new product or service out of the kitchen and onto the market–and win a $10,ooo prize package:
“The Big Tasty” is a new contest organized by Asheville-based agribusiness incubator Blue Ridge Food Ventures: offering a North Carolina food entrepreneur a chance to bring an innovative new product or service out of the kitchen and onto the market.
There’s plenty to sweeten the deal: The grand prize winner receives a $2,500 cash award and 100 free hours at Blue Ridge Food Ventures, which includes use of the commercial kitchen space and equipment and mentoring from food business pros. Two runners-up receive $1,000 each and 50 business incubator hours. …
With an entry deadline of Oct. 15, “The Big Tasty” is open to any North Carolina resident with a big idea for a new food product or service, excluding packaged meat or dairy, low-acid products or products containing more than .5 percent alcohol. Contestants pay a $10 entry fee and submit an application package that explains, illustrates and introduces the new product or service. Big Tasty semi-finalists will be selected by Nov. 1.
On Dec. 5, semi-finalists will create a display about their product or idea for the Blue Ridge Food Ventures Holiday Market, competing at that time for both the People’s Choice honor and the Best Display prize, which comes with $150 in award money. Then, starting in January 2013, semi-finalists will receive on-on-one coaching from food business experts. Final presentations to a professional panel of judges will be made in March 2013, to include a taste test. Winners will be announced in April.
For an entry form, contest details and more on The Big Tasty, visit www.blueridgefoodventures.org.
