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P.E.R.K. Consulting Wins the SBDC’s AccelerateUp Business Growth Competition

On Thursday, October 29^th, P.E.R.K. Consulting placed 1^st in the AccelerateUp Business Growth Competition presented by the Maryland Small Business Development Center and Capital One Bank. With P.E.R.K.’s victory, the firm was awarded $2,500.

The AccelerateUp competition is designed for Peak 2 Business Owners. Peak 2 businesses are fast-growing businesses that can serve as models to new startups. The competition had three steps, including an online application that narrows the applicants down to 5 finalists. The final phase of the competition was a final pitch before a panel of judges. Each of the finalists receives a cash prize with 1^st place: $2500, 2^nd place: $1500, 3^rd place: $500 and 4^th& 5^th place: $250.

P.E.R.K. Consulting (P.E.R.K.) has been in operation for three years. It is a woman-owned advisory firm that provides business development, program development and capacity building support to small businesses and nonprofits. Initially a sole proprietorship with only one employee, P.E.R.K.’s capacity has quadrupled. The increase in human capital has increased revenues by 71.9% since 2013. In 2015 alone, P.E.R.K. has worked with 19 nonprofits and small businesses. In order to achieve this, P.E.R.K. identified its niche and refined its services and marketing. It also utilized strategic partnerships to bolster its credibility with its clientele. In addition to formal marketing, P.E.R.K. benefits from word-of-mouth advertising and referrals from satisfied customers.

In the online application, P.E.R.K. described its philanthropic efforts. P.E.R.K. has provided pro-bono services to local nonprofits. It also offers the annual NextGen Scholarship to an international students attending college in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.

Lastly, P.E.R.K. described its plans for continuing growth. In order to create a long-lasting business, P.E.R.K. is training leaders who can communicate the company’s vision to potential customers and partners. P.E.R.K. also hopes to achieve Peak 3 through competitive pricing, accessibility and comprehensive service.

Last night P.E.R.K. Consulting presented its four-minute pitch. This pitch described P.E.R.K.’s success story, and it also included a brief history of the company’s President, Andrena Sawyer. Her story reflects the existence of the American Dream. It shows how hard work can result in a success. Her success is reflected in P.E.R.K.’s success.