About the PLU Business Plan Competition

• The PLU Business Plan Competition is designed to promote the development of businesses that provide positive social benefit and impact.  The competition is a unique opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to gain valuable skills through a real-world process.  The competition will engage students and local community members (including alumni) interested in launching a new business or organization (for profit and not-for profit).
  
  Participants have a chance to simulate the steps needed to solicit start-up funds from early-stage investors.  The judges function similar to investors deciding on which business venture they would most likely fund.  The quality of the business concept, the organizational vision, and the clarity and persuasiveness of the written plan and oral presentation all influence the judges’ decisions.  Ultimately, the winning team will have one new venture which the judges find the most viable to succeed.  Thanks to support from the Herbert B. Jones Foundation, the PLU Business Plan Competition offers real cash prizes for winners to use in the pursuit of their business venture.
  
  
  Highlights of the competition include:
  
  Cash prize of $7500 to the winning team or individual to help launch the new venture.
  Real-world opportunities to learn what is required to successfully launch a new business.
  Scheduled opportunity to network with local business leaders.
  High caliber judges, including senior level industry leaders.
  Opportunities to receive individual feedback.
  Guaranteed $2,000 prize to the top team comprised of all PLU undergratuate students