What’s the Story Behind the Challenge ?

Pensacola Business Challenge is a unique opportunity for one lucky entrepreneur to realize the dream of a new or expanded business in downtown Pensacola.   While many new businesses struggle with startup costs, overhead expenses, and the details of actually managing a business, the Pensacola Business Challenge exists to help the winning entrepreneur navigate those challenging waters on the journey to success and profitability.

As sponsors of the contest, Quint and Rishy Studer are funding the renovation of the building, the business startup package, and the management of the contest.  In addition, the Studers will own the corner business – The Bodacious Olive – a boutique olive oil and pasta restaurant and market.  But the Studers aren’t just looking for a good tenant, or a good neighbor.  Here’s how Rishy Studer put it:

“Quint and I decided several years ago that we had an opportunity, and a responsibility, to work to make Pensacola a better place for everyone.  One way we thought we could help was by using our financial resources, our business experience, and our business relationships to help one entrepreneur overcome the challenges of those ‘make-or-break’ years of operation.  We hope the Pensacola Business Challenge will give someone the chance to build or expand a business, and help us all build a better City.”

Here at the Pensacola Business Challenge, we couldn’t agree more with Rishy, and we’re putting together a great team to help grow Pensacola’s economy – one business at a time.

Leading the Challenge effort is Andrew Rothfeder, who serves as the volunteer Director of the Pensacola Business Challenge.  Andrew is a partner with Levin Rinke Resort Realty, serves on the boards of Portofino, the Pensacola Museum of Art, and Tri Gulf Coast, and has other business interests in Atlanta, Georgia.  “I am thrilled and honored that the Studers have involved me in this great project.  Sara and I love Pensacola, and share the Studers’ vision for the future of the area.  The Challenge is one more very cool spoke in the wheel of progress and economic development happening in the City, and I am very excited to be a part of it.”

Quint Studer also expresses his excitement about the Pensacola Business Challenge when he said, “We’re really looking forward to seeing some great ideas from the ‘entrepreneurs next door’ as a part of this project, because Rishy and I know that Pensacola is full of industrious, hard-working people who can be successful with the right opportunities.  I’m also excited about Andrew Rothfeder’s leadership on this project.  His educational background and business experience, both here and in Atlanta, are tremendous assets to this project and this community, and we are grateful that he is volunteering his time in this way,” Studer continued.

If you’ve ever wanted to start a business, or expand your existing business.  Now is the time.  Join the Challenge.  Sign up today to learn more, or download an application and start your new entrepreneurial future!