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Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. has announced the fourth installment of STARTUP Franklin Southampton. 

An FSEDI news release stated that this business plan competition serves to provide financial assistance and business training within the City of Franklin and Southampton County limits. 

Participants in the program must submit an online application, attend six business courses provided by various business instructors, submit a completed business plan and pitch the business to a panel of community leaders. One grand prize winner will be selected with a monetary award of $20,000. One runner-up winner will be selected with a monetary award of $10,000. 

The contest program is funded by FSEDI, Bronco Federal Credit Union and Farmers Bank. Community and in-kind sponsors are as follows: Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Insercorp, Main Event, Paul D. Camp Community College, Real Country 101.7 and The Tidewater News.

The third annual STARTUP contest ran successfully, with three new businesses added to the area. Program winners StoreHouse, Retro Flex and program participant Care Giving on Wheels all opened doors to the Franklin-Southampton community in 2019.

Applications for the fourth installment went live Aug. 13. For a full list of dates and contest requirements, visit startupfranklin.com.