Entrepreneurial competition launches in Lebanon

Business owners with more than 30 years of experience are behind a new entrepreneurial competition in Lebanon.

The 229 Project will offer a winning business financial support, including a physical location in downtown Lebanon, and mentorship, according to a news release.

The initiative is the brainchild of Danny and April True, who have operated businesses such as True Construction Inc. and True Wellness.

“This project is about giving forward-thinking entrepreneurs the support our community gave us,” the Trues said in a joint statement in the release. "We’re looking for individuals with unique, innovative ideas. We truly believe the secret ingredient is mentorship, which helps build a strong foundation for their business’s future.”

The 229 Project shares its name with the building address that's part of the winning entrepreneur's prize winnings. The competition winner would have 2,500 square feet of space at 229 West Commercial St. – which the Trues own – along with six months of free rent, six additional months at a reduced rate, $15,000 for approved renovations and the opportunity to secure a three-year lease.

In addition to the Trues, mentorship would be provided by businesspeople representing companies such as Heritage Bank of the Ozarks, First State Insurance Agency, Boat Town Brewing, the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce and Realty Executives of Lebanon.

Applications from interested entrepreneurs are due by 10 p.m. Sept. 27, and starting Oct. 1 the mentor group will select finalists to advance through a pitch competition similar to "Shark Tank."