Entrepreneurs can bring their business ideas to the next level in the third annual Launch San Juan Islands business plan competition, created by the San Juan County Economic Development Council and sponsored by local businesses.

Participants will receive instruction in business planning and marketing, plus follow-up mentoring — and some will win cash prizes to help launch their businesses.

Thousands of dollars in cash prizes will be awarded to contest winners this year. The greater goal, however, is to help every participating entrepreneur to advance their business.

Included in the program for all participants will be seminars on business planning, financing and marketing; opportunities to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs; media coverage for contestants; professional advice from a team of experts, and feedback on business plans.

Launch San Juan Islands will start in October and run through November. The cost to participate is $65 if registration received prior to Sept. 18, or $85 thereafter. The final entry deadline is Sept. 25. This fee covers direct costs for course materials and events. For more information, visit http://www.sanjuansedc.org/launch.

The EDC wants to thank its funding partners: San Juan Propane, Luxel, King’s Market/Valmark, the Islands Sounder, the Journal of the San Juan Islands, the Islands Weekly, Heritage Bank, Islanders Bank, San Juan County, the Port of Friday Harbor and the Town of Friday Harbor.