7th Annual Business Plan Competition

Posted on Posted in Education, Entrepreneurship

Three years ago, I was a competitor in the Bard Center Business Plan Competition. The first place winner for my year now teaches two courses in Social Entrepreneurship at the Bard Center. I am now the host of this amazing event. I am amazed at just how quickly things can change, how rapidly dreams can come true.

We are quickly approaching the May 1 deadline to submit a Business Plan. It’s also time to reserve your seats for this fun and exciting event.

Event Facts

The Award: This event will present awards to six aspiring entrepreneurs and their teams. The Bard Center Business Plan Competition seeks to promote the development of high caliber business plans, recognize the most outstanding plans with cash and in-kind awards from area businesses, and encourage the creation of new businesses. The specific objectives of the Business Plan Competition include:

  • Encourage the commercialization of promising ideas and the creation of new ventures
  • Be a catalyst for economic development and new business growth in Colorado

Cash Awards

  • 1st Place $10,000
  • 2nd Place $5,000
  • 3rd Place $2,500
  • 4-6th Place $1,000

Special Cash & In-kind Awards

  • Best Bioscience $5,000
  • Best Nonprofit $5,000
  • In-kind over $80,000

When: Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Where: Grand Hyatt-Downtown Denver (1750 Welton Street)

  • 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Six Finalists Present – 15 minutes followed by 10 minutes of Q & A
  • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.  Luncheon Keynote:  Bradley Feld, Managing Director, Foundry Group
  • 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.  Awards Ceremony Winner acceptance

Cost:

  • Presentations: Free and open to the public
  • Luncheon: $50 (PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED – please register by June 5.)

Sponsorship Opportunities:

  • Platinum Sponsor $10,000
  • Gold Sponsor $ 5,000
  • Silver Sponsor $ 3,000
  • Table (10 seats) $ 500 (no sponsorship benefits)
  • Individual Ticket $ 50 (no sponsorship benefits)
  • In-kind $ 5,000 (services available to finalists)

For more information or to reserve your seat contact the Bard Center at (303) 620-4050 or Bard.Center@cudenver.edu

The Bard Center for Entrepreneurship is a privately funded Center of Excellence that supports new business growth in Colorado. Celebrating our 10th year, more than 1900 students have participated in Bard Center programs, and annually over 20 companies are formed and supported by the Bard Center. The Center resides on the third floor of the historic Masonic Building in downtown Denver.

The Richard H. and Pamela S. Bard Center for Entrepreneurship was established in 1996 as a vehicle to foster economic opportunities in the Denver metropolitan area. Richard and Pamela Bard’s generous endowment turned their dream into the reality of creating a program that would prepare future entrepreneurs for successful ventures, as well as to promote entrepreneurial spirit in the corporate environment.

As part of the Business School at the University of Colorado Denver, the Bard Center fosters and promotes new business opportunities by advancing the teaching, study and practice of entrepreneurship and new venture creation.   The Center provides students with education, experience, incubation, funding, networking, and results!