THE BANK ANNOUNCES JUMP START CONTEST WINNERS

Cape Girardeau, Mo. Aug. 23, 2013 - The Bank of Missouri recently announced the winners of their 2nd Annual "Jumpstart Your Business Contest". The contest, sponsored by The Bank, was aimed at small businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to start a new business or expand their existing small business.

"May is National Small Business Month so we wanted to do something fun and exciting. We gave away two $1000 cash prizes in our Southeast Missouri markets," stated Caitlin Schlichting, online marketing specialist for The Bank of Missouri. "The cash awards will be used for the winner's business endeavors."

Local business owners and entrepreneurs who fit the SBA's (Small Business Administration) size guidelines were encouraged to submit their business plans using The Bank's Facebook application, however e-mail, fax, website and in-person methods were accepted. A panel consisting of five individuals was formed to judge contest entries.

Rob and Joan Stephens of Heartland Custom Flooring receive their Jumpstart winnings from Dawn Dauer, community bank president at The Bank of Missouri in Cape Girardeau.

The contest was open to for-profit small businesses operating in the Missouri towns of Perryville, Cape Girardeau, Scott City, Jackson, Marble Hill, Patton or surrounding areas. To be eligible for the contest, existing small businesses were required to meet certain criteria which included meeting with a representative at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center in Cape Girardeau or the Perry County Economic Development Authority.

Rob and Joan Stephens of Heartland Custom Flooring are the winners for Cape Girardeau and REM Legacy, LLC/Living Hope Organizer owner Mary Miller is the winner for Jackson.

In addition to the contest, The Bank of Missouri can assist with an SBA loan to finance an entire business, equipment and fixtures, business real estate and much more. The Bank of Missouri is a preferred lender for the Small Business Administration. For information on SBA loans contact The Bank of Missouri at 800.547.6541.