FAIRBORN, Ohio - A "green-friendly" portable decking system anamed winner in the "What's the Big Idea" challenge sponsored by Wright-Patt Credit Union. It was submitted by Michael Weaver of nearby Miamisburg, Ohio, who calls his proposed business "DECX."
"DECX is a fun, fast and affordable, easy to install, earth-friendly (green) decking system," Weaver said. It targets "do-it-yourself" homeowners who need an affordable and portable decking option. Built on a free-floating foundation, DECX is designed to be constructed within a day and without any tools.
"This means that when you move, the deck can," said Weaver.
The "What the Big Idea" Challenge was announced in February as part of a partnership with Filene Research Institute's i3 innovation group.
The online reality-style challenge was aimed at helping entrepreneurs take their business ideas from conception to implementation. The challenge consisted of a three-question, online application that outlined the member's business proposition. Submissions where then judged by current Wright-Patt Credit Union business members and partners.
"The idea for DECX was born out of a desire to expand my outdoor living space without having a permanent structure. I wanted something that would allow me to expand it in the future, or even reconfigure it into something new," said Weaver, who was awarded a prize package valued at $4,000, including printing costs, business plan development, legal and accounting services.
Wright-Patt Credit Union its sponsorship of the promotion was borne out of recognizing the importance of growing business in the Miami Valley community.
In addition to the "What's the Big Idea" challenge, Wright-Patt Credit Union incorporated a business readiness tool, "The Big Idea Evaluator," so Miami Valley area entrepreneurs could evaluate the market-worthiness of their enterprise.
Website visitors were encouraged to answer questions in three relevant business building categories (market, management and money), and "The Big Idea Evaluator" gave them feedback, offered advice and counsel, and suggested resources to help refine their plans.(c) 2008 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved.http://www.cujournal.com/ http://www.sourcemedia.com/
