BROOKINGS — A Watertown woman won a South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality business plan contest with her compelling plan for a cancer support group.

The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the course in Watertown. The business plan contest gives participants the chance to refine and develop their current or potential business. Carrie Holden won the contest as part of the community vitality Small Business Basics course, where participants competed to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas. Holden’s vision is to create an online cancer support group.

Holden has battled cancer twice, and said the second time — bone cancer — was especially painful. When she looked up online support groups in eastern South Dakota, she was shocked to find nothing.

With 28 years of experience as a mental health counselor and support group leader, Holden decided she could start something. She hopes to create an online presence that will provide resources, emotional support and a sense of community for people fighting cancer.

She was already working on her business plan, but needed a little help, so when she heard about the Small Business Basics class, she decided to give it a try. The course took place over six weeks and featured experts explaining business topics ranging from marketing and web design to taxes and choosing an accountant.

“This course really helped me better understand some of the aspects of business that I didn’t know about,” Holden said. “I just worked hard to put together a solid plan, but I didn’t think I’d win. I’m so excited.”

For winning the contest, Holden received $500 in chamber bucks, a membership to the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and free advertising once her organization is running, all donated by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce.

Holden is excited to begin the next steps of launching her organization and looks forward to serving an underserved population in the Watertown area. She is already fundraising and collaborating with health care providers in the region, she is on track to establish a vital support system for local cancer patients and their families in the months ahead.

The Small Business Basics class is all about equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to take their ideas to the next level.

"Carrie’s business plan is a great example of how local businesses can fill important gaps in our communities,” said Kara Harders, SDSU Extension community vitality field specialist. “It’s inspiring to see participants like her turn their passion into a well-thought-out plan that can truly make a difference.”