DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Oct. 17, 2008 – Believe Begin Become, the national business plan competition facilitated by TechnoServe, in partnership with the University of Dar es Salaam Entrepreneurship Center (UDEC) and the BiD Network today formally announced a deadline extension for submissions to the business plan competition. High-potential entrepreneurs now have until Monday, October, 27, 2008 to submit their business plans.

“As word-of mouth communication has spread, we have received a tremendous amount of applications from all regions of Tanzania,” said Atiba Amalile, programme manager, Believe Begin Become (BBB). “The extension will provide additional opportunities for entrepreneurs to finalize their business proposals and submit them by the new deadline. This extension also provides those in the farthest regions of the country a chance to participate in this year’s competition.”

Winners of the 2008 Believe Begin Become business plan competition will receive free business training, mentorship, links to investors and financiers, seed capital and business development services awards valued at more than $530,000. Anyone who holds Tanzanian citizenship and is above 18 years of age can apply. Applicants need only complete a three page business plan summary either online through BiD Network website, www.bidnetwork.org/tanzania or through the mail. A signed participation agreement, application form and Tshs 20,000/=application fee payable to TechnoServe Tanzania are also required. Additional information can be found at www.believe-begin-become.com/tanzania

All eligible applicants will be invited to attend a seminar on business plan development. Up to 120 entrepreneurs will be selected to advance to an intensive, seven-day business plan building programme in Dar es Salaam. Twenty winners will receive seed capital to help launch or expand their businesses. Prizes range from USD $3,000-20,000 in seed capital for the top 20 winners. Equally important, the top eighty (80) finalists will also each receive “aftercare” business development services to ensure that they have the support and tools necessary to turn their business plans into self-sustaining, profitable and formalized businesses.

“It is with great excitement that we are extending the application period for high-potential entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Donath Olomi, Director, UDEC. “The additional time will ensure that we are maximizing the impact of the competition throughout Tanzania.”

For more information, contact:
TechnoServe Tanzania
Tel: + 255 22-260-0455
Email: tzbpc@tnstanzania.org
Website: www.technoserve.org

UDEC
Tel: + 255 22 2410 115 /075 4 376 328
Email: udec@fcm.udsm.ac.tz
Website: www.udec.udsm.ac.tz

www.believe-begin-become.org/tanzania
www.bidnetwork.org/tanzania