Overview

The annual Engaging Youth Entrepreneurs (EYE) for Change “Biggest Boss” Business Plan Competition is underway. Here’s a great opportunity for you to put your business ideas to the test and win up to $5,000 in our annual business plan competition! The "Biggest Boss" business plan competition is like no other and open to all students ages 10-18 in Baltimore City and Baltimore County who are enrolled in school full time. Each team must have no more than four students and a minimum of one.  The three finalists will be chosen based on the following:

-  feasibility of their business

- understanding of the market

- financial plan

- presentation skills

Rules & Guidelines

• Students ages 10 to 18 who are enrolled in a Baltimore City or Baltimore County school full time are eligible to participate in the contest or any youth affiliated with an EYE Society or participant in an EYE for Change program.

• Each person on a team must register to be eligible for the competition.          

• A team can consist of a maximum of four individuals. Students who enter may only be a member of one team.

• The Biggest Boss Business Plan Competition prizes total $5,000. Only teams advancing to Round 2 are eligible for cash prizes.

• Teams advancing to the second round are required to make a 15 minute PowerPoint presentation (No more than 15 slides) to a panel of judges

• All business plans must include an original idea from members of the team. Any team submitting a busines plan from another organization/existing business will be disqualified from the competition. Teams who have won in previous years are allowed to participate. However, you may not use the same business idea. Business plans cannot exceed 11 pages. Any business plans over 11 pages will be deemed ineligible.

• By entering the Biggest Boss Business Plan Competition, participants, without limitation, release and hold harmless the EYE for Change, Inc., its vendors, consultants, sponsors, volunteers and their respective officers, employees, and agents, from any and all liability for any injuries, loss, or damage of any kind in connection with the Competition, including, but not limited to, copyright claims. By entering this Competition, participants agree to waive any right to claim ambiguity or error in these Official Rules or in the Competition itself.

• By completing the registration form and entering this competition, each member is providing consent allowing EYE for Change, Inc. to use the winner’s name(s) for publicity purposes. EYE for Change, Inc. has the right to photograph or video tape the Biggest Boss Business Plan Competition for the sole purpose of marketing for current and future entrepreneurial events.

Judging

The Biggest Boss Business Plan Competition will be managed by EYE for Change. A panel of volunteers consisting of small business owners, representatives from community associations, and small business resource organizations will serve as judges. The decisions of the judges are final. The director of the Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center will serve as an advisor and liaison to the teams.

Prizes

Prize money is granted to the individual(s) or business entity designated in the application.  The winners are responsible for all applicable taxes.   The winning team will have six months from the award receipt date (March 25, 2010) to request funds. Failure to comply with the above will result in the funds remaining with the EYE for Change, Inc. 

• 1st Prize $2, 500

• 2nd Prize $1, 500

• 3rd Prize $1, 000

The finalists will be awarded at the 5^th annual EYE for Change Conference Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Morgan State University.

Mark your Calendar

DEADLINE EXTENDED to March 12, 2010 Deadline for all submissions (business plan, 30 second elevator pitch and print advertisement)

March 15, 2010 Round 2 notification via email.

March 20, 2010   Finalists will make a Microsoft Powerpoint presentation in front of a panel of judges. The presentation will be 15 minutes long (max) with 5 minutes alloted for questions from judges. All team members must be present.

NOTE: All deadlines and guidelines for submission must be adhered to. No late submissions will be accepted, no exceptions, and any submissions that go beyond the 15 slides will not be considered.

Biggest Boss Business Plan Competition Tips

• Always proofread your business plan and PowerPoint slides prior to submission.

• Identify a mentor, teacher, or better yet an entrepreneur currently in business who can review and provide feedback and advice on your work.

• Utilize the resources at www.edacmorgan.com and www.eyeforchange.org

• Always practice your presentation skills in front of friends, family, and business professionals that will give you constructive criticism.

Register to Win $5, 000 Now!!

Need Help with Your Submission? Click here for our workshop