FRANKLIN, Pa. — The 2019 Get on the Trail Business Plan Contest will kick off Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. at TrAils to Ales Brewery in Franklin, PA.

The contest encourages business owners and would-be entrepreneurs to write a plan for the creation or expansion of a business that will improve the experience of users of regional hiking, biking, water and other recreational trails.

Anyone interested in the contest is welcome to attend the kickoff, which is a free event. Details on the contest will be provided along with a presentation by guest speaker Piper VanOrd of Allegheny Outfitters in Warren, PA.

Past winners include TrAils to Ales Brewery for their concept of sharing trail users’ photos on televisions in the brewery and Allegheny River Rentals for purchasing kayaks, bikes and other equipment for guests to use during their stay.

First place is awarded $5,000. Second place is awarded $2,000. Third place is awarded $1,000. Prize money and support for the contest is provided by County of Venango Act 13 funds. The contest is run by the Oil Region Alliance.

Initial concept papers are due April 4. Semi-finalists will be selected and required to provide business plans by July 24. Finalist presentations will be made in September. Winners will be announced during O.C.toberFest in Oil City October 12.

Attendance at the kick off is not a requirement of the contest.

Reservations to jhilburn@oilregion.org are not required, but appreciated. More information, including applications, can be found at www.OraGOT.com. Questions can be addressed to Juliet Hilburn at 814-677-3152 ext. 121.