2008 Business Plan Competition Guidelines

[Business Plan Competition]
The Pace Business Plan Competition is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at Pace University, as well as recent Pace alumni (those who have graduated within the past five years).

Submission deadline: Friday, April 11th, 2008

Business Plan Panel Discussion and Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Multipurpose Room
B-level, 1 Pace Plaza, NYC

Business Plan Guidelines*
  • 1. Cover Page – include the proposed name of the organization and contact information of the entrant(s).
  • 2. Table of Contents – a list on the major sections of the plan and corresponding page numbers.
  • 3. Executive Summary – an overview of the plan, not to exceed 1 page.
  • 4. Business Description – details of the business and what it does.
  • 5. Objectives – specific short and long term objectives of the business. You may include the broader goals of the organization as well as its vision and mission.
  • 6. Market Analysis – an overview of the industry, characteristics of the market, and a description of the customers.
  • 7. Product or Service Analysis – the specifics of your product or service and a description of the unmet need it fills.
  • 8. Development and Production – details of research and development efforts, licensing agreements, the production process, and operations.
  • 9. Competition – identify current and potential competitors, analyze the likely competitive response.
  • 10. Business Strategy – how you will create and defend a competitive advantage.
  • 11. Marketing Plan – an overview of the marketing mix and details of how sales will be achieved.
  • 12. Management – An assessment of the entrepreneur and management team.
  • 13. Finances – Specific details of the required resources and economics of the venture.
  • 14. An investment proposal – the terms and conditions offered to investors. Include details of the current equity positions, proposed deal structure, and valuation methodology.
  • 15. Critical Risks and Contingencies – an overview of internal weaknesses and potential threats facing the business, as well as actions that may be taken to mitigate them.
  • 16. Milestones and Scheduling – an outline of key business targets and a timeline for achieving them.
  • 17. Supporting Information – information that clearly illustrates and bolsters your plan. This includes pro forma financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement), résumés, industry data, primary and/or secondary market research, product illustrations, legal agreements, etc.

Additional Guidelines for Social Ventures*

In addition to considering the above guidelines, plans submitted in the Social Ventures category should address the following criteria:
  • 1. Assessing the need: does the proposed venture address a significant and pressing social problem?
  • 2. Well-defined target: does the proposed venture adequately describe the problem it addresses and define the parameters within which it plans to operate?
  • 3. Matching skills and objectives: does the entrepreneurial team demonstrate the skills and experience required to translate the plan into action?
  • 4. Creativity: does the proposal approach the social problem in a creative, exciting, and dynamic way?
  • 5. Feasibility: does the initiative aspire towards realistic and achievable goals, while thinking big? How effectively can it be implemented?
  • 6. Sustainability: does the proposed venture include adequate strategies for fundraising and income generation? Does it consider the different dimensions of financial and social sustainability in a conscientious manner?
  • 7. Social impact: how will the implementation of this social venture benefit the community and the multiple stakeholders involved?

* These are only general guidelines. Business plans may be submitted in other formats, provided they contain a one (1) page Executive Summary and do not exceed forty (40) pages in length.


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