GVSU hosts third Business Plan Competition

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The next generation of entrepreneurs will put their ideas to the test, competing for cash prizes in Grand Valley State University's third annual student Business Plan Competition.

The event, sponsored by Seidman College of Business' Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is March 23 at 6 p.m. in the Loosemore Auditorium of the DeVos Center on Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Seven students will present their business plans in the competition, competing for total prize money up to $10,000. During their presentation contestants have 10 minutes to pitch their business model, and what it will take to get their business operational.

Veteran volunteers from the West Michigan business and entrepreneurship community will be judging the plans, including Daniel Estrada of DC Estrada; Dayna Beal of Momentum/Elevator Up; Mandee Rick of Huntington Bank and Grand Rapids Young Professionals; Sandra Cochrane of the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center; and Roger Jansen of Thinkwise.

“The Business Plan Competition is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurial students in our community 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,” said Linda Chamberlain, executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “The competition will represent a variety of business plans which are ready for launch. We are inviting all with an interest in new business start-ups to attend this event and encourage the spirit and drive these students have to succeed.”

The winner of the competition will move on to the regional competition on April 15. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/ent or contact Katie Racey at (616) 331-7582.