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Bend-based Ascent Architecture & Interiors recently was named a finalist in a national business plan competition for architectural startups.

Five other firms also are vying for the $10,000 top prize in Charrette Venture Group‘s 2014 contest. The runner-up will receive $2,500.

Licensed architects from the U.S. and Canada who either have operated a firm for no more than five years or have considered starting a firm were eligible to participate. The competition was launched this year by Charrette Venture Group founder Matt Ostanik, a Des Moines, Iowa-based architect, to foster dialogue about the importance of entrepreneurship to the future of the architectural profession.

A jury selected Ascent Architecture – the only Oregon finalist – from 51 entries based on an executive summary of the firm’s business plan. Ascent principal Seth Anderson will present the firm’s full business plan to the jury in Chicago on June 25. The winner will be announced the next day.

“We’re trying to get as much detail to present our case that our business can grow,” Anderson said.

Anderson said he entered the competition because he’s interested in the entrepreneurial side of architecture. He joined Ascent Architecture, formerly named Ambient Architecture, two and a half years ago, and become sole owner at the end of last year.

“They’re encouraging architects to look at architecture as a business,” Anderson said. “That’s one of the reasons that I started my own firm, because I’m interested in architecture as a business.”

Ascent Architecture’s business plan addresses financial growth over time and analyzes target markets, including senior living, medical buildings and breweries.