Entrepreneurs in and around Nokomis will have the opportunity to launch or expand their own business in a vacant lot in town.  The Newkomis organization is holding a small business competition from August through November.  One winner will earn the opportunity to open their business in a building the city currently controls which has gone unused.  They will also receive funding towards further building rehabilitation and other necessary labor.

Initial applications can be submitted from August 1 to September 13.  Audra Elam is a community and economic development coordinator for the City of Nokomis.  She says the competition consists of multiple phases, with presentations made and business plans submitted. 

The prize for the winner includes not only the building but also grant funds through the city as well as access to physical labor services through other local businesses. 

Elam says the city and the Newkomis organization have wanted to preserve the unused building and believe giving it away through the competition is a way to do just that. 

Elam says the city and Newkomis are open to most kinds of businesses that would welcome those of all ages, but they want something that is poised to last. 

More information on the small business competition is available on its Facebook page.

Audra Elam appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.