MBE BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
 

Congratulations!

Your registration for the 2008 MBE Capital Call™ Conference, Exhibition, and Venture Forum has been processed.  You may now submit your Executive Summary for consideration in the MBE Business Plan Competition.

The MBE Business Plan Competition facilitates the introduction of minority business owners (entrepreneurs) to potential investors through a formal presentation or pitch for funding.  Entries are evaluated by individual angel investors, lenders, and business development professionals familiar with the criteria used by accredited investors interested in financing privately held companies or ventures.  The companies selected for presentation will enjoy the opportunity to pitch their business plan before a diverse audience of accredited investors.

To enter the Competition, simply download and complete the form below and submit it together with your Executive Summary to the address provided on the form.  Your Executive Summary should be NO MORE THAN TWO PAGES and provide the information contained in the list below.  The list below is not intended to suggest the scope or particular order of information.  Only you can determine the content and arrangement best suited for describing your venture to investors.  This list simply suggests the information you should include:

1. The Company: 

   • Mission

   • History, including accomplishments to-date
      

2. Products/Services:

   • Description of products/services

   • Ownership

   • Development stage

   • Timing of, and process to, commercialization

   • Unique attributes and opportunities
      

3. Market:

   • Size and definition

   • Industry trends

   • Need for products/services

   • Customers

   • Sales/distribution plan

   • Necessary partnerships and status
      

4. Competition

   • Comparative analysis, including key features and benefits

   • Competitive advantage/market differentiators

   • Barriers to entry for competitors and company
      

5. Management

   • Experience of all senior management

   • Previous experience working together

   • Needs/key vacancies

   • Board of Directors

   • Advisors
      

6. Financials

   • Founder's investment

   • Summary projected financials (five years)

   • Funding needs for this round and subsequent rounds of investment

   • Use of funds

   • Business milestones for the next two years

Your entry MUST be received by 11:59 PM, Monday, September 15, 2008.  Late entries and materials over the two page limit above will not be considered.