AUBURN— Three winners have been selected in the “Startup Auburn” small business contest, said Liz Allen, director of communications, technology and community engagement for the city, in a press release Tuesday.

Jennifer Frazier, Emily Maines and Katie Lemieux were selected based on their strong proposals that demonstrated the potential to flourish within the community. Their businesses offer physical wellness, baked goods and Mexican cuisine, respectively.

“These are three brand new businesses in our community, and their success will be an inspiration for other entrepreneurs who have a dream to own and run their own business,” said Jason Levesque, mayor of Auburn.

“As we all know, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’ This program sends the message to startups and entrepreneurs that their community believes in them,” he added.

The contest, sponsored by the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and The Malloy Firm, is aimed at attracting small businesses and encouraging their growth within the community.

The winners will receive four months use of office space at Staples Connect, courtesy of the city and Staples Connect, said Allen. This includes 500 free business cards and a 10% discount on select in-store purchases.

Winners also receive a one-year Entrepreneur’s Membership at the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce, as well as marketing and communications consulting from Mayor Levesque and the LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, said Allen.

Contest runner-ups won’t be walking away empty-handed, however. They have the opportunity to receive a 50% discount on a 3-month open-seat or private-space membership at Staples Connect, supplemented by an invitation to a startup “lunch and learn” Q&A with The Malloy Firm.

Runner-up contestants are encouraged to reapply for future Startup Auburn contests, said Allen.