LONDON, ONTARIO, 08 September 2008 - On September 9th, four of London's economic and business development organizations are launching VenturePrize London, a business plan competition targeting new and emerging enterprises throughout the city.

VenturePrize London represents the collective effort of the London Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Centre, The Stiller Centre and TechAlliance. "This is a fantastic opportunity for the four organizations to work together on an initiative of this calibre," says Nancy Kopriva, VenturePrize London Steering Committee Chair. "VenturePrize London celebrates our city's entrepreneurial culture and recognizes the role that independent businesses play in our economy."

Open to new London-based ventures and businesses in operation for less than two years, VenturePrize London features over $45,000 in cash and in-kind prizes to be won, including products from Lovers at Work and BizzMail. The prizes are divvied into two packages, and are based around business acceleration services and products. All finalists, save for the two winning plans, will receive honorariums for their efforts.

Kevin Proctor, Scotiabank Manager, Small Business Division adds, "Scotiabank is thrilled to partner with VenturePrize London. Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of economic growth, and the competition will open doors for a company that could have a tremendous impact on our community."

The business plan competition will be formally announced at a media launch September 9th, coinciding with the VenturePrize London website launch. Applications and completed plans are accepted for submission until 4:00pm December 12, 2008.

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Note to editors:

2008 marks the inaugural year for VenturePrize London, the city's premier business plan competition. VenturePrize London is the product of four economic and business development organizations: London Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Centre, The Stiller Centre and TechAlliance. Open to new and emerging businesses (less than two years in operation), the competition honours entrepreneurial spirit and helps enterprise, creativity and innovation to flourish.

For media inquiries, please contact Nancy Kopriva, Business Advisor with the Small Business Centre, at 519.659.2882 ext.234 or

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