Entrepreneurs Seek Popular Vote

If you love yogurt, run to the nearest computer and vote for two budding entrepreneurs on the verge of bringing a TCBY franchise to Northwest Arkansas.

Yogurt fans across the country have through May 10 to go online (at www.tcby.com) to choose among the 10 semifinalists vying for the chance open a TCBY franchise in their hometown. Among the semifinalists are University of Arkansas business-school grads Jared and Sarah Greer.

“We loved the product our whole life,” Jared Greer said. “I used to work there in high school. We thought all those [foods and flavors] along with the brand name they still have in Arkansas was something we could be passionate about.”

Five finalists will be revealed May 11, followed by the grand-prize winner on May 25. The winning team will receive a $315,000 prize package that includes the franchise fee, advertising expenses, and training/travel expenses. Ultimately, Greer said, the winner “will walk into a store with no debt.”

Greer said the store, which would open within 3-6 months, could employ as many as 30 people.