ABOUT BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITIONS

The fundamental goals of KEEN-sponsored business plan competitions are to:

• Spur students to embrace an action-oriented entrepreneurial mindset through the opportunity to practice entrepreneurial concepts learned in the classroom
• Encourage social gatherings that enable individuals to come together and form teams
• Provide a conducive atmosphere for participants to learn about the essentials of business planning
• Provide opportunities for participants to gain first-hand information about the local business environment
• Provide forums for energized and committed team leaders to meet and interact with potential mentors, sponsors, and even investors

You will find that KEEN-sponsored business plan competitions offer a combination of fundamental structures to help fulfill these goals:

• Events—Kick-off events, workshops, public elevator pitch events, etc.
• Sponsorship—Local businesses and support organizations offering financial and in-kind support to competition participants
• Judging—All entries will be returned to the teams with comments and constructive feedback from a panel of judges. Semi-finalists offered the opportunity to deliver public/private presentations will receive additional feedback from that process
• Mentorship and alumni—All participants will be given information on local mentors, including business programs and alumni, that are willing to offer guidance, particularly to committed teams
• Access to resources and information (primarily through this web site)