Posted on Thu, Jan. 12, 2012

Again this spring, $20,000 in cash and business services is up for grabs in the San Joaquin Entrepreneur Challenge.

The challenge, an "American Idol"-style competition, weighs business proposals from budding entrepreneurs in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties.

The final selections will be made by a panel of expert judges as well as audience votes during live events Feb. 29 and March 21 in Stockton. The entry deadline is Feb. 5.

Competing in last year's challenge was a great experience, said Jamie Norwood, one of five family members behind Amalia's Cocina Inc., a Denair company producing a line of natural Mexican sauces that won the 2010 competition.

The shot of funding, which helped Amalia's boost its marketing efforts as well as services, was a help, Norwood said. But just as helpful were the exposure and networking experience.

Venture capitalists, marketing professionals, lawyers and business educators are involved in the event.

"You meet so many people from many different aspects of business that can be helpful to you," Norwood said. "I would strongly recommend it for any entrepreneur."

The challenge is part of a regional strategy to stimulate business startups and job creation in the San Joaquin Valley. It is presented by the San Joaquin Angels, an investment group.

Mark Plovnick, Angels president and economic development director at University of the Pacific in Stockton, said that stimulus is starting to pay off.

"As a result of the previous two years of competition, over 150 entrepreneurs in our region have developed plans to start or grow their businesses," he said.

Applications will be screened by business and academic experts, who will select contestants for the live competitions.