EnviRelation Wins WDCEP’s 2010 Business Plan Competition
Finalist EnviRelation Qualifies for $100,000 Investment
Contact: Daour Diawara
Washington, DC Economic Partnership
202.661.8673
ddiawara@wdcep.com
July 20, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC—EnviRelation, LLC, a four year old, five-employee, District-based business that composts restaurant waste and scraps, has emerged as the winner of the second annual WDCEP Business Plan Competition in the District of Columbia.
EnviRelation narrowly dominated the live presentation portion of the competition to emerge yesterday as the winner over a social media tool megree, Inc., and software developer Wegora to become qualified for a $100,000 investment in their business.
The 2010 WDCEP Business Plan Competition drew interest from over 75 entrepreneurs and small business owners since the program was announced in early April 2010. The initiative was undertaken in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
“Supporting Washington-based businesses as they launch, grow and thrive is a major priority for our office,” said Valerie-Joy Santos, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “The annual business plan competition is a part of that initiative and this year we are pleased to recognize EnviRelation, and its innovative business model.”
The green company offers a food composting service to food-related businesses. By composting organics, EnviRelation reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming, contribute to cleaner local water ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and promote healthier living and communities.
“EnviRelation’s business model is both sound and innovative. Their service is not only timely, it contributes to DC’s green economy and urban sustainability,” said Steve Moore, President & CEO of the Washington, DC Economic Partnership. “We are very pleased to assist EnviRelation with its expansion through this initiative.”
The funding of the $100,000 prize was provided by Enhanced Capital Partners, Advantage Capital Partners and the DC Coalition for Capital Program, which supports access to capital programs and initiatives designed to help DC small businesses grow.
“EnviRelation is exactly the type of business the District’s small business investment tax credit program, or ‘CAPCO,’ is designed to support: District-based, innovative, exciting, and poised for growth,” said Ben Dupuy, the President of the DC Coalition for Capital. “EnviRelation is a compelling, competitive venture, and this important investment will take the business to the next level, allowing it to grow its revenue and customer base and further accelerate the District as a center for green businesses.”
EnviRelation will be recognized and honored at WDCEP’s 2010 Small Business Awards, held at the Willard Hotel on July 28th at 8:30 am.
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The WDCEP is a 501(c)3 non-profit, public/private partnership dedicated to promoting business opportunities throughout DC and contributing to business retention and attraction activities. For more information visit www.wdcep.com.