Published: Oct 24, 2007
University of Tampa business students will test their business savvy in
the second annual Florida collegiate business plan competition, “The
Sunshine State Venture Challenge,” Nov. 15-16 at the Hilton Cocoa Beach
Oceanfront in Cocoa Beach, Fla.
The challenge will judge
original business plans developed by students enrolled full or part time
during the 2006-2007 or 2007-2008 academic year. The business plan must
be for a seed, start-up or early stage venture and must address the
entire business concept.
Entries will be judged in two separate
categories: Investment Intensive Plans that likely require venture
capital investment; and Limited Investment Plans that could be launched
based on existing revenue, personal funds, loans or angel investments.
The
winner in the Investment Intensive category will present the winning
plan to investors at the next Florida Venture Forum. The Florida Venture
Forum seeks to help ensure the success of entrepreneurial ventures by
offering expert counsel, educational advice and managerial assistance.
The
Sunshine State Venture Challenge is intended to build relationships and
professional networks among those who provoke new venture creation in
the state’s campuses and communities. This event will engage students,
faculty, business leaders, and government leaders from all regions of
the state, and showcase exciting proposals created by high achieving
students.
Students currently enrolled in a full-time or part-time
curriculum at eligible Florida colleges and universities are invited to
compete.
The challenge is sponsored by the Florida Venture Forum
and Winter Park Angels. Seven Florida schools are hosting as members of
the organizing committee: Florida International University, Rollins
College, University of Central Florida (UCF), University of Florida,
University of Miami, University of South Florida and The University of
Tampa.
“The Florida Collegiate Business Plan Competition is a
first step toward building relationships and professional networks among
aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders and champions of
entrepreneurship on Florida’s campuses,” said Cameron Ford, founding
director of UCF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI).
Thomas
Kruczek, executive director of the Rollins College Center for
Entrepreneurship, said the challenge is particularly worthy since the
state of Florida consistently ranks as one of the most dynamic
environments for new venture creation.
“This competition will help ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in these aspiring business leaders,” he said.
For more information about the competition visit the event Web site at
www.cei.ucf.edu/competitions/flcollegiate.html.