PULASKI (WSLS10) - Pulaski is looking to give a boost to it's downtown. Volunteers from the Beans and Rice organization are planning a competition to help entrepreneurs. It's called "Launch Something Pulaski".
Organizers said the idea is to get people who want to start up a business a chance to not only survive - but thrive.
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"That would be very good for other business owners here," Lotoshia Newman, a business owner said.
Newman said it would be a great idea to see more businesses in the town.
"Right now we don't have enough businesses to generate people's interest to come on main street," Newman said.
She has been in the town for three years and said you don't have drive far to see empty buildings which is why organizers from the Beans and Rice organization are hosting the Launch Something Pulaski competition.
People who participate have to come up with a business plan and three winners get seed money to start a business.
"I'd like to look back at where's Pulaski has been and not try to get back to that, to not repeat the same mistakes, in the past we've let certain gems fall down the worse thing we can do is let downtown fall apart without doing anything," Eric Bucey, the chairman of the Beans and Rice organization.
Pulaski's town's economic development director said having this competition could broaden the workforce in the town.
"Pulaski has been through several economic periods, heavy industry, consumer industry and now the question is what next? What next is I think is the development of small business," John White, Pulaski Economic Development Director said.
White thinks this competition could have a long term effect that could help improve the economy and help Pulaski grow in other areas like better internet.
"Putting together a computer network where we offer broadband to businesses and target certain businesses we want to come into the community," White said.
Organizers said so far about 20 people have signed up to participate in the challenge.
The prizes are funded by grants from the Virginia Department of Housing Community Business Launch Program.