Introduction
In 2001, the Business Center created The Enterprising Woman
Business Plan Competition. The Business Plan Competition
serves as a vehicle for supporting female entrepreneurs and
woman-owned businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Now in its sixth year, the Competition provides women with
the tools they need to launch, improve, and grow their businesses.
Smaller to mid-sized businesses, earning less than
$250,000 in annual revenue, are invited to compete for up to
$10,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded as part of the Business
Plan Competition.
Eligibility for Business Plan Competition
Applicant must be female, at least 18 years of age and possess
at least 51 percent ownership in the existing or proposed business.
Applicant’s business may not be in existence more than
three (3) years or have sales volume that exceeds $250,000 in
revenue for any given year.
Award Categories and Selection Criteria
Retail:
Recognizes an exceptional business plan from a woman-owned
firm that sells hard goods directly to the public.
Restaurant:
Recognizes a winning business plan from a sit-down restaurant
that provides tableside or buffet service.
Service:
Recognizes a firm that delivers consulting or professional services
such as, but not limited to, accounting, finance, legal,
marketing, technology, architectural, construction, day care,
extermination, information technology; or a firm that makes
or processes raw material into a finished product.
|
Registration and submissions for this year’s competition will be via email. Interested participants may email amanning@thebizctr.com. An application fee of $35.00 is required. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are acceptable. Cash, check and money order are also accepted in our office. Registration is November 30, 2007 until January 31, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. and is limited to one business venture per owner. Once you have registered you may submit your Executive Summary by email or it may be hand delivered to our office on CD. For questions contact Andria Manning at The Business Center-(215) 247-2473 ext. 3. |
|
| Four Steps through the Awards Competition |
STEP 1:
Executive Summary
Submit an email document of no more than 2 pages describing your company including: Introduction, Marketing, Operations, and Finance. The web site outlines what is expected. Registrations without accompanying Executive Summary will be nullified. Registration & Executive Summary submission deadline is January 31, 2008.
STEP 2:
The Business Plan
Semi-finalists will be selected and notified to submit an email business plan. Business Plans must include an Executive Summary (1 page); a Marketing plan, describing strategies for achieving revenue targets, and competitive advantage (2-3 pages); an Operations Plan, including listing of required permits, licenses and insurance, brief bios of the management team, hours of operation, location (2-3 pages); a Financial Plan, including a two year cash flow analysis and a balance sheet of current assets and liabilities (3 pages). Note: Figures in the Financial Plan should match Marketing Plan projections. Business Plan may not exceed 15 total pages, excluding the Appendix. The business plan submission deadline is April 2, 2008. |
STEP 3:
Finalist Presentation
Finalists will be selected and notified to submit a business plan presentation. The Business Plan Competition participants will present their business plans before an independent judging panel comprised of a diverse group of small business development professionals from both the private and public sectors. Presentations will be scheduled between 9 to 12pm on May 23, 2008. Mark your calendar, as finalists who are not able to attend will not be considered.
STEP 4:
Awards Ceremony
All participants in the competition will be invited to an awards ceremony. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony 6:00 p-m. 8:00 p.m. Visit thebizctr.com for details. |
The Business Plan Workshop Review-- a complimentary service at the Business Center
This year The Business Center offers an opportunity to have your business plan reviewed by our team of consultants for the best support for an effective business plan and the overall presentation of your business. Being your plan for a final check-up on March 8, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
 Pamela J. Rich-Wheeler,
Executive Director
The Business Center
at New Covenant Campus
7500 Germantown Avenue
Elders Hall, Suite 113
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 247-2473
www.thebizctr.com |
Special Note:
All submissions will be accepted via the internet or on CD. Under no circumstances will late submissions be accepted. All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. Hand delivered submissions will be accepted only on CD. finally, submissions received without application fee will not be accepted. |
|
| Executive Summary Submission |
January 31, 2008 |
| Semi-Finalists Notified |
February 28, 2008 |
| Business Plan Submission |
April 2, 2008 |
| Presentations |
May 23, 2008 |
|
|
