ANN ARBOR – Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest has launched the ninth year of its annual statewide business plan competition. Technology and life science companies must register before October 31 and complete an executive summary by December 5 to compete for cash awards in the first phase of the competition. Awards will be presented at the ACE 09 event on January 22, 2009.
Tech entrepreneurs with innovative concepts are encouraged to participate, whether their venture is in a very early stage of development or they’ve been operating for several years. The competition features two tracks to support both idea-stage companies and those with up to $3 million in cumulative sales.
“Joining the GLEQ business plan competition helps entrepreneurs hone their ideas and complete their business plans with support from investors and industry experts,” according to Diane Durance, GLEQ executive director. “In this cycle of the competition, executive summaries are reviewed by seasoned investors �?? the entrepreneurs receive vital feedback and suggestions from those experts.”
Each entrepreneurial team is matched with a coach that advises them and supports their efforts for the duration of the competition. The deadline for registering is October 31, but early registration gives contestants an edge. They have more time to work with their coach and to participate in training, educational, and networking events around the state.
The New Business Idea (NBI) track is perfect for new entrepreneurs and those interested in further developing a business idea. The Emerging Company path is for entrepreneurs with business or start-up experience that may be operating an early stage company. Both NBI participants and EC companies will develop and submit a five-page executive summary by Friday, December 5.
Awards will be presented at the ACE’09 event on January 22, 2009, at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.
Interested entrepreneurs can find out more and register to participate on the GLEQ website at GLEQ.Org
a>>
