— Downtown Muskogee is a market just waiting to be catered to, said Jonita Mullins, executive director of Downtown Muskogee Inc.

Empty storefronts await the business entrepreneur who is ready to tap that market — more than 3,000 people work in downtown every day, she said.

So, Downtown Muskogee Inc., is holding a business plan competition to jump start some ideas and help one lucky entrepreneur get his or her ideas off the ground.

The winner of the business plan competition will receive more than $5,000 in monetary prizes and services — including consultation in advertising, marketing, interior design and accounting.

“I’m hoping to encourage entrepreneurs who have been thinking about it but haven’t taken that first step — and the best first step is getting the plan on paper,” Mullins said. “Secondly, I want people to look at downtown and see the great potential we have for putting in businesses.”

Those who wish to enter the contest must submit a short synopsis of his or her proposed business plan by mail or email no later than Feb. 13.

Then, the entrant must complete the business plan presentation for submission by March 30.

Each entrant will receive a list of several vacant, available downtown buildings identified by Downtown Muskogee’s Economic Revitalization Committee.

The spaces range in size from a craft booth to a small office, large office, a wholesale or manufacturing site and a restaurant.

Mullins said there are a variety of businesses that could thrive in downtown with the proximity of the County Services Building, two courthouses and the VA Regional Office as well as two large apartment buildings on Broadway between Second and Third streets.

A grocery store, cafeteria-style restaurant or pharmacy are all good ideas, Mullins said.

“I did a non-scientific survey of people in the downtown area and asked, ‘If there was a downtown grocery store, would you shop at it?’” Mullins said. “I only had one person answer no.”

Mullins said the downtown area is a “food desert.” There isn’t a single grocery store in the original Muskogee township area.

“It could really serve downtown well,” she said.

Contest rules, a list of sponsors and other details can be found at www.downtownmuskogee.org or by calling (918) 683-2400.

Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.