Participants of the first Omsk season of the Business Battle competition have been named

The qualifying stage of the Business Battle competition for aspiring entrepreneurs has ended in the Omsk Region. Based on the results of the selection, the mentors identified the participants of the first season, who will have to go through a series of educational and competitive stages, the organizers said.

Applications for participation were submitted by more than 160 entrepreneurs from the fields of manufacturing, IT, services, education, creative industries and social entrepreneurship. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, participants will work on the development of their projects: analyze the market, improve business models, develop marketing strategies, and prepare financial models.

The participants who reached the finals will present their ideas to the jury and compete for prizes from the regional government, as well as free MBA training from St. Petersburg State University. The winner will receive 1 million rubles from VTB for the development of their business.

"More than 160 applications were received for the first season of the Business Battle in the Omsk region, which is a record result among all regions of the competition. This interest shows that there are many people in the region who are ready to create their own businesses, develop new products and services, and open jobs," said Denis Bortnikov, Deputy President and Chairman of the VTB Management Board.

He stressed that small and medium—sized businesses are "one of the main driving forces of the economy." Therefore, according to Bortnikov, it is important for VTB to support entrepreneurs not only with financing, "but also with the opportunity to gain knowledge, mentor experience and tools for further growth."

According to the Governor of the Omsk region, Vitaly Khotsenko, the composition of the contest participants reflects the structure of the Omsk Region's economy and its growth points. "Among the projects that have passed the next stage are initiatives in the field of IT, education, social entrepreneurship and creative industries. These areas are in demand in the region today and have high development potential," commented the head of the region.