Rock Springs – If you have amazing baking skills and have ever considered owning your won business, an upcoming competition in Rock Springs could get you started. Enter the Rock Springs Main Street/URA’s Baker Battle 2016 and you could take home $5,000 to help start your own downtown bakery.
The Economic Restructuring committee of the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency recently announced in a news release their Baker Battle 2016 to aid in recruiting a bakery to Downtown Rock Springs, It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your baking prowess and business acumen.
Baker Battle 2016 is set for April 23 at the Rock Springs High School Culinary Arts classroom. Bakers will compete in three categories as well as submitting their business plan for review. The winning baker will take home a $500 cash prize and the option for a $5,000 grant if they open a downtown bakery within 12 months of winning. The contest is open to serious bakers 18 years old and older. Existing bakeries wishing to open new locations or relocate to Downtown Rock Springs are also encouraged to enter.
Entry forms are available at the Rock Springs Main Street/URA office (603 S Main Street) and online at DowntownRS.com/Business Resources.
- Each person/team will need to submit a completed application along with an Executive Summary & Business Plan by April 1, 2016. Please drop off or mail to Rock Springs Main Street/URA, 603 S Main Street, Rock Springs, WY 82901. Applications and business plans will be evaluated and the TOP 4 contestants will be selected to move onto the baking portion of the contest. The TOP 4 will be announced no later than April 11, 2016
- Applicants will have a total of 120 minutes to complete two different categories, with an over all of three categories.
- Breakfast/brunch pastry item (muffins, donuts, scones, etc) (60 minutes)
- Cupcake (spring theme) (60 minutes)
- Bring in a previously decorated cake
- The first two categories will be judged on both taste and presentation. The third will be judged on presentation only.
The prize will be awarded in two tiers:
- $500.00 to the Baker Battle winner as decided by the judges.
- $5,000 grant awarded to the first place winner if winner decides to open a bakery in the downtown within one year. Grant subject to approval of the Executive Summary Business Plan submitted and proof of one year lease for location in downtown. Other incentives may be available such as marketing assistance, façade grant, paint grant, etc.*
*If the first place winner chooses to not to pursue opening a bakery, the grant availability will pass to the second place contestant. Grant money must be applied for and awarded within 12 months.
In order for the competition to take place, at least two competitors will be required. The Rock Springs Main Street/URA can be reached at 307-352-1434.