Churchill Mortgage Now Accepting Business Pitches for Young Entrepreneurs Contest

- Winner receives mentoring from industry professionals for career foundation -

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Churchill Mortgage announced today that it is now accepting business pitches for its Young Entrepreneurs program, in which local professionals will have an opportunity to submit business ideas for a chance to win $5,000, office space, educational courses and other valuable resources to fund a new business.

“Entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for young men and women to live their American dream.”

Aimed to educate, train and recruit young, local professionals and encourage business development in Middle Tennessee, Churchill Mortgage is accepting business pitches until Nov. 1, 2012 from individuals 29 years old and under. Entrants’ businesses must be from or plan to headquarter in the Middle Tennessee area, and pitches must be a new or existing business that has been in operation for no more than 18 months.

After an extensive evaluation process, 20 finalists will be selected to present their business idea at the Hutton Hotel to a committee comprised of Churchill’s management team and other prominent business figures from the Middle Tennessee area. Churchill will provide non-disclosure agreements to protect all submissions and presentations during the contest.

The committee will select one entrepreneur as the winner, who will receive a three-month course at Entrepreneur Center in Nashville, a non-profit organization that helps start businesses and create jobs through the support of leading corporations and other successful entrepreneurs. The winner will be introduced to fundamental business strategies as well as how to model and plan for success through the Entrepreneur Center’s Accelerator Program, which takes place from January to April 2013.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Churchill Mortgage to identify and support youth entrepreneurs here in Middle Tennessee,” said Michael Burcham, president and CEO of the Entrepreneur Center. “Entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for young men and women to live their American dream.”

Following the three-month course, the winner will receive a one-year E|Spaces membership, providing a launch pad for his or her business along with computers, Internet, phone, copiers, printers, scanners, meeting and conference rooms as well as learning and networking events. In addition, the winner will receive not only $5,000 to help fund the new business, but also an iPad with pre-loaded business materials and online newspaper subscriptions.

After showing hard work and dedication during the first year, Churchill Mortgage will send the winner to attend Dave Ramsey’s weeklong “EntreLeadership Master Series” workshop in 2014. Hosted by Ramsey, EntreLeadership walks participants through real world strategic planning, provides business administration tactics, discusses marketing and advertising functions, and features many other in-depth sessions.

Furthermore, the winner will have an opportunity to meet monthly with Churchill’s senior management team and other local business professionals for ongoing strategic guidance. There will also be potential for Churchill to participate as a capital partner, as well as opportunities to meet with other potential funding partners.

“After 20 years as a locally owned and operated Middle Tennessee business, Churchill Mortgage is eager to share its wisdom, experience and resources with young entrepreneurs in Tennessee,” said Mike Hardwick, president of Churchill Mortgage. “We wanted to celebrate our 20 successful years by fostering young entrepreneurs and encouraging new local business development in Middle Tennessee. We’re excited about this opportunity and look forward to hearing new and unique business ideas.”

To enter the contest and submit a business idea, please visit http://www.churchillmortgage.com/entrepreneur.

About Churchill Mortgage

Founded in 1992, Churchill Mortgage is a prominent and financially sound leader in the mortgage industry, providing conventional, FHA, VA and USDA residential mortgages across 26 states. Unique within the industry, it is the only mortgage lender endorsed by nationally syndicated radio personality and personal finance expert and author, Dave Ramsey. Through its consultative approach to lending and strong commitment to local communities, the lender focuses on the right loan product for each borrower, providing the education and tools necessary to ensure borrowers’ financial stability. For more information about Churchill Mortgage, visit www.churchillmortgage.com or follow them on Twitter @ChurchillMtg and Facebook at www.facebook.com/churchillmortgage.

About the Hutton Hotel

Hutton Hotel redefines Southern luxury with unparalleled service and elegant, contemporary design. Opened in 2009 and named to the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, this Four Diamond property offers an ideal Midtown location for business or pleasure and is nationally recognized for its innovative green initiatives. Guest rooms are appointed for refined comfort and modern convenience with flat screen TVs, media hubs, rain showerheads, and optional fitness equipment. The award-winning 1808 Grille offers a fresh, regional twist on New American cuisine.

Hutton Hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing nearly 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas, and the operator of www.lhw.com and www.lhwspas.com. LHW is the first luxury hotel brand to provide consumers the option of having a carbon-neutral travel experience. Hutton is a development of Amerimar Enterprises, a recognized leader in the renovation and repositioning of office, hotel, retail, multi-family and mixed use properties throughout the U.S.