Fifth Annual Business Plan Competition

The next generation of entrepreneurs will put their ideas to the test, competing for $10,000 in cash prizes at Grand Valley State University’s fifth annual Business Plan Competition. The event is sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Seidman College of Business.

The Business Plan Competition is an opportunity for entrepreneurial students to think through business opportunities that interest them, prepare a business plan around those ideas and learn the fine art of pitching ideas to investors. The competition will represent a variety of business plans which are ready for launch. Eight students will present their business plans in the competition. They have 10 minutes to pitch their business model and what it will take to get their business up and running.

GVSU Business Plan Competition
Thursday, March 29
6 p.m.
Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center
GVSU Pew Grand Rapids Campus

Kathy Crosby, CEO of Goodwill Industries, will provide the keynote address. Crosby received the 2012 Athena Award from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and in March 2012 was named one of the “50 Most Influential Business Women in West Michigan” by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.   

Experienced entrepreneurs and veteran investors will be judging the plans. The judging panel includes:  
•    Merrill Guerra, executive director, Michigan Venture Capital Association
•    Bill Holsinger-Robinson, principal, BHR Consulting
•    Jason Pliml, technology business consultant, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
•    Tim Streit, managing director, Huron River Ventures
•    Tim Syfert, visiting instructor of management, Grand Valley State University

The audience will have the opportunity to participate in the judging process through the Buzz Award which utilizes social media to encourage fans to be engaged and vote for their favorite team.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is available at www.gvsubcp2012.eventbrite.com.
The winner of the competition will move on to the regional competition at Calvin College on April 10. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/ent or contact Shorouq Almallah in the Seidman College of Business at (616) 331-7256.