How to Succeed in (Small) Business

We've all had that dream, to one day start a small coffee shop or a consulting firm or clothes boutique. Many people hope of owning their own small business, yet a large percentage of them fold after just a few years. This week hopeful entrepreneurs will cross their fingers as they take part in two business competitions. The Start-Up NH Business Plan Competition 2005 will search for the best small business plan in the Granite State, while 'Peak Pitch '05', gives participants 6 minutes to pitch their business plan as they ride up a ski lift with an open-eared venture investor. Today on the Exchange, we'll find out what makes a business sink - or swim - and hear about some new efforts to get those entrepreneurs off on the right foot. Laura's guests are Governor Craig Benson, Former New Hampshire Governor and Founder of the New Hampshire Advantage Foundation. Jesse Devitte, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Borealis Ventures, member of the Start-Up NH steering committee and spokesperson for Peak Pitch '05. Roy Pang, CEO of Woomera, a small biotech company in Lebanon, NH that develops new drug to combat lung and breast cancer. Woomera was the winners of the 2004 Start-Up NH Business Plan Competition.

Click here to find out more about the Start-Up NH Business Plan Competition 2005 or 'Peak Pitch 05'