FRANKLIN—Hopeful entrepreneurs have an opportunity to begin making their visions become real through a new program offered by The Franklin Business Incubator.

Prep Sessions and a Pitch Session, as they’re being called, will “provide an opportunity for an aspiring entrepreneur that has a vision,” said Nancy Parrish, manager of Small Business Development at the Incubator.

The first three of the four Tuesday sessions will feature two facets each: accounting and banking on Jan. 28; legal and human resource issues on Feb. 4; and advertising and marketing on Feb. 11. From 7 to 9 p.m., specialists in each area will talk to those individuals wanting to start their own business, said Parrish. The last session on Feb. 25 will include Jim Carroll, director of Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center.

Parrish described Carroll as “a guru with a lot of knowledge who will speak about the barebones of what has to be included in a business, such as how to make and pay for goals.”

The second part, scheduled for Saturday, March 22, will allow individuals or groups to make their pitch to a panel of judges coming from the aforementioned areas of expertise.

The would-be capitalists are to present – with passion – their business plans, the viability and innovation of the ideas, and economic benefits.

The winner will receive the first six months free rent in a required year’s contract at the Incubator. In addition to 500 free business cards, there will also be free membership in the Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce for a year, free consultations by Carroll at regular intervals, website development from Jerry McCreary with Surefire Studios and free advertising in The Tidewater News and WLQM.

These resources are provided as a way for the winning idea to develop, said Parrish, adding, “We’re not only trying to promote economic development in Franklin, but also build clientele here at the Incubator.”

“Everybody’s going to be a winner,” she continued. “They’ll get their money’s worth and more.”

But the contest is not limited just to adults. The net is being cast wide to include high school and college students.

Pre-registration by Monday, Jan. 27, is required, and the fee is $100 per person or a group of up to five people; high school students pay $50.

Register by any of these ways: calling 562-1958; emailing acotton@franklinsouthamptonva.com; visiting The Incubator’s Facebook page; or stopping by at 601 N. Mechanic St. Franklin.

The pitch sessions begin at 9 a.m. and each individual or group will have 15 to 20 minutes with 5 to 10 minutes for a Q&A from the judges’ panel.