2008 North of Boston Business Plan Competition Finalists Announced

Four Finalists to present plans May 14 Public Event

SALEM, Mass., April 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Four companies were named today as finalists in the North of Boston Business Plan competition. The finalists reflect the diversity and exceptional quality of business plans received and include an organic beverage distributor, a Tanzanian housing developer and two innovative biotech startups. The competition, which is in its fourth year, is sponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College, the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council and the Merrimack Valley Venture Forum.

Finalists will present their plans before the panel of judges and the public at the finale, to be held in the Central Campus Recital Hall at Salem State College on May 14 at 4:00pm. The public is invited to attend.

The finalists include:
-- Differential Proteomics -- Beverly, MA

A biotech company that uses its patented technology to identify specific diseases and cancer.

-- Enterprise Homes LLC (http://www.enterprisehomestanzania.com/) -- Andover, MA

Plans, develops and monitors cutting edge housing developments in Tanzania.

-- Flavrz Beverage Corp. (http://www.organicflavrz.com/) -- Gloucester, MA

Flavrz Beverage Corp. is a socially responsible distributor of eco-friendly, organic beverages.

-- Meddart -- Beverly, MA

A medical imaging company that is developing an X-ray computed tomography (CT) medical imaging contrast agent to help doctors with diagnostic information.

Finalists are startups and emerging businesses less than two-years-old. Each business is committed to being located on the North Shore or Merrimack Valley and has plans to grow to at least five full employees within two years.

First prize in the North of Boston Business Plan Competition is $10,000. Second and third place plans will receive $6,000 and $4,000 respectively.

The May 14th Finale and following reception is open to the public free of charge.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Enterprise Center at Salem State College

CONTACT: Christine Sullivan of Enterprise Center, +1-978-542-7039, Fax:
+1-978-542-7061, csullivan@enterprisectr.org

Web Site: http://www.enterprisectr.org/
http://www.enterprisehomestanzania.com/
http://www.organicflavrz.com/

2008-04-24 17:50:14 0345020 PRNEWSWIRE