Many of us have an awakening in our mind that results in an idea, concept and the beginning of what we hope can be a business.

Some are novel, out of thin-air creations, others are variations of an existing product that make it easier to use.

For those of you who have a business idea and would like to put it on paper and have a chance to win cash prizes, legal and accounting services, a meeting with bankers and investors, one year of Chamber membership, and an opportunity to make that dream business a reality, the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business plan competition for the community.

The prizes will be given to the top three plans, but Chamber Executive Director Evelyn Clay reiterated the importance of the act of putting an idea on paper and going through this process.

“The prizes are going to be great, but we hope the competition will get the ball rolling for those people who want to start a new business, because having a plan to go by is the first step to any businesses success,” Clay said.

The top plans will have an opportunity to attract capital investment from banks and investors.

If you are interested in investing in one of the businesses, contact the Chamber for more information.

The competition is open to all Decatur County residents and will be the culmination of several months of opportunities to perfect the idea and plan.

The Chamber will offer several workshops to assist those who want to be a part of the competition.

“As the community, nation and world go through this economic recession, Bainbridge is not going to sit around and wait for the environment to change,” said Rollins Miller, chairman of the Entrepreneur Committee that will be facilitating the competition. “We’re challenging our community to bring their best business ideas and put them on paper.”

For those interested in submitting a business plan for the competition, applications can be received by calling the Chamber at 246-4774 or visiting www.bainbridgegachamber.com, click on “Economics,” click on “Start a business.”