Beech Tree News Network

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Area residents with ideas that could lead to a new business could win assistance to help move their idea forward.

The Central Region Innovation and Commercialization Center is accepting applications for the 2012 “Buck$ for Bright Ideas” competition through April 18.

“Buck$ for Bright Ideas” is a publicly funded program that encourages residents in the region to act on their ideas. Applicants must reside in one of the 26 counties of the Central Region or be a full-time student at a college or university within the region. The Central Region includes the following counties: Daviess, McLean, Ohio, Hancock, Butler, Logan, Simpson, Warren, Allen, Barren, Edmonson, Grayson, Breckinridge, Meade, Hardin, Nelson, Washington, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Green, Taylor, Metcalfe, Adair, Cumberland and Monroe.

“Many people in our part of the state have innovative ideas that could become the foundation for a new business,” Jeff Hook, director of operations for the Central Region ICC, said. “Some of those people need help moving forward toward commercialization and the Central Region ICC is here to help with that effort.”

In addition to receiving help from business development experts, those with ideas can compete for professional services worth more than $25,000 by completing a simple application.

“There will be multiple winners who will receive free services from regional professional firms for market research, patent research, accounting support, product design help and more,” Hook said. “All applicants are eligible to receive one-on-one assistance with their idea at no charge and all ideas submitted will be held in strict confidence.”

More information on the program and the application are available at www.BucksForBrightIdeas.com or by calling Hook at (270) 901-3490. An awards banquet for all participants is planned for 6 p.m. May 2 at the Central Region ICC, located at Western Kentucky University’s Center for Research and Development, 2413 Nashville Road, Bowling Green.