The FORGE
THE FORGE
- Business classes and competition August to October every year.
- Forge classes will be held on Tuesdays from August 20 to October 1, 2024.
- The competition will be on Tuesday October 8, 2024.
- Win up to $2500 for your Business!
- 100% FREE TO PARTICIPATE
THE FORGE Business Classes and competition are sponsored by Alluvial Private Wealth, Steve Johnston, owner of Johnston Supply and Gary Ferriman, Owner of Showplace Rent-to-Own
The Alluvial Private Wealth FORGE Competition is for the top businesses to present their business plans to a panel of judges, and the public. The top businesses receive seed money to start making their plans a reality!
Want to start a small business or nonprofit?
Take your entrepreneurial dreams to new heights? This exhilarating business program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to succeed. IGNITE. INNOVATE. SUCCEED.
Register for The Forge business classes and competition this fall and gain an edge on the competition. It’s completely free, with topics covering all aspects of opening a small business and local resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. Also, open to existing small businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
THE FORGE begins with a series of business classes followed by a “Shark Tank”-style competition. The top three participants win prize money to start making their business plans a reality!
WIN UP TO $2500 TO START YOUR BUSINESS!
TOPICS:
- The Development of the Business Plan – A business plan is written to determine feasibility, serve as a basis for financing, and be an operating guide once the business is open.
- Developing a Cash Flow Projection – This class will assist in compiling a cash flow projection that serves as an operating budget. It measures feasibility and liquidity.
- Financing the Business – This class reviews credit analysis, sources of capital, and the loan application process. It reviews both private and public sources.
- Business Record Keeping – Class reviews record-keeping systems. The class will also review the compilation and interpretation of basic business reports.
- Marketing and Advertising – Nothing good happens until somebody sells something. This class assists in the evaluation of the competition, selection of advertising methods, presentation to the customer, and the budget formation for these activities.
OUR STORY
The Forge was founded in 2017. The goal as this grows is to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Marion, OH. The goal is to make The Forge an asset to the community, a place where ideas transform.
VISION
Making Marion a Regional Magnet for Small Business Ownership and Entrepreneurial Activity.
MISSION
Our mission is to provide the region’s most accessible, supportive, and personal pathway to career success that will promote the startup and expansion of Small Businesses in Marion, by providing high-quality training and mentorship to entrepreneurs.
Marion Technical College provides equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, military status, or sexual orientation.
LEADERSHIP MARION! CLASS OF 2017
Through the Marion Area Chamber’s Leadership Marion! the program, 27 participants from all different backgrounds came together and worked to create The Forge. The class wanted to make a difference for small businesses in Marion, OH.
PART 1Participate in business classes. Use these classes as support through the creation of your business plan. |
PART 2Complete and polish a business plan and prepare to present your finished plan to a panel of judges. |
PART 3Present your final business plan in the competition and get feedback and support from other local entrepreneurs. |
THE FORGE SPONSORS
THE FORGE PAST WINNERS
2017 – Cindy Binns
2018 – Rachel McCall and Pia Douglas
2019 – Jason Jordan and Jessica Coleman
2020 – Drake Tulloh, Profit and Brooke Olson, Nonprofit
2021 – Natalie and Jeremy Berger, Profit and Jess Lamar Reece Holler, Nonprofit
2022 - Jess Lamar Reece Holler, Allison Longsdorf, and Jenny Lust
2023 – Elaine Strine, Crstal & Justin Bessler, Angie Thompson, Erina Frank, Sharon Johnson and Steve Stiles
CONTACT US
STAY CONNECTED
Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Forge competition! Local engineer Jason Jordan won $2,500 for his idea for a portable home alternative energy product. Jessica Coleman won $1,000 to expand “Leading Ladies,” a mentoring program for girls. Congratulations to runners-up Aaron & Andrea Rollins for the Magma Theater, Vince Delgado with The Sub Bus, Becky Kindred with Urban Farms, and Frank Gibson with Manufacturing Careers Collaborative. Marion is the true winner with all of these entrepreneurs! Check out this article.