Left to right, front row: Steve Ling, Jennifer Yarnell, Matt Diepenbrock, Tom Barley (UC Clermont). Back row: J.P. Yarnell, John Melvin (Ohio SBDC at the Clermont Chamber), Jeff Bauer (UC Clermont).
The Fifth Annual Clermont Business Plan Competition wrapped up with the announcement of finalists and the awarding of cash prizes to the three winners at a reception at the Clermont Chamber of Commerce on November 17.

The Fifth Annual Clermont Business Plan Competition is the result of collaboration between UC Clermont College and the Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Clermont Chamber of Commerce. Designed to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and increase awareness of resources available to grow entrepreneurs in Clermont County, this competition focuses on good research and planning as critical foundation elements for any business. The competition included a series of four free business-planning classes at UC Clermont College. In the five years this competition has been offered, over 125 entrepreneurs have benefitted from these classes and the volunteer efforts of the UC Clermont educators who provide the training.

The first prize of $3000 went to Matt Diepenbrock for his plans for SpringKlean Products, LLC. SpringKlean creates, sources and sells products to optimize a building’s health. Their strength is a specialized and patented nanotechnology-based, anti-microbial +disinfectant that can be used to treat various surfaces within a building and make them have a long-term kill ration against various microbes and viruses.

Second Prize of $1000 went to Jennifer and J.P. Yarnell for their plans for starting a new business, C 3:23 Athletics, LLC. C 3:23 Athletics is a business developed in the Goshen area to meet a need for local athletes and their families. C 3:23 Athletics owns a 3000 square foot facility on Woodville Pike currently being converted to a batting cage/instruction facility. Although the initial facility will be small, there are plans for adding volleyball courts, basketball courts, soccer leagues and more. The three member owners each have experience as athletes and coaches for baseball, softball, basketball and more.

Steve Ling founded SFL Enterprises Inc. in 2011 as a home base operation for gunsmithing/repair work and transfers of firearms and Class II and III items. In November of 2013, he acquired property at the intersection of SR 48 and SR 28 and opened a retail store. His business plan for Hammer Down Range received the third prize of $500. Steve will be seeking capital to dramatically expand his current facility by adding gun and archery shooting lanes, a snack bar and equipment for brass public reloading.

The Fifth Annual Business Plan Competition was made possible because of the generous support of many sponsors including Park National Bank, National Bank & Trust, WesBanco, the Ohio Small Business Development Center at the Clermont Chamber, RiverHills Bank, Sam & Vickie Tuten, UC Clermont College and Kamphaus, Henning & Hood CPA.

For more information please contact the Clermont Chamber Small Business Development Center at 513.576.5007.