2008 Mark Ain Business Model Compeition Guidelines

ELIGIBILITY

  • All participants must currently be enrolled at the University of Rochester
  • Students from both undergraduate and graduate schools are encouraged to participate
  • Workshop attendance is free and open to all members of the University
  • Fee for business plan submission is waived for undergraduates and members of Simon Entrepreneurs.  There will be a $50 fee per submission for teams comprised of non-undergraduates and/or non-Simon Entrepreneur members. 

AWARDS

Cash prizes have been made possible by the generous donation of Mark S. Ain ’67, founder of Kronos Incorporated.

  • 1st Place: $10,000
  • 2nd Place: $2,500
  • 3rd Place: $1,000

RULES

  • Teams may consist of no more than five individuals and it is recommended to have at least two members on each team.
  • Submittals for the first round of judging are due no later than 5 pm on May 2, 2008.  Please send all submittals electronically to entrepreneurs@simon.rochester.edu.
  • The business model must be in the idea, development, or start-up stage.  Submittals for a business that is already earning revenue will not be considered.

GUIDELINES

  • Business models must include an executive summary and should address issues such as a market assessment, technical viability (if applicable), financial projections, management viability and potential for scalability.  A business feasibility outline is available and participants are encouraged to use this resource in writing their business models.  Further details on judging and review criteria will be made available throughout the workshop series. 
  • Submittals must be no longer than 10 pages written, and no more than 20 pages total with supporting graphs, charts, financials, etc.

JUDGING

  • First round screening will be based on review of the executive summary. 
  • Second round screening will be based on review of the full submittal.
  • Finalists will be notified by May 8, 2008 and will present their business models to a judging panel on May 14, 2008 for prize consideration. 

CONTACT

Please send any questions or concerns to Andrew McGloin (andrew.mcgloin@simon.rochester.edu) at the Simon School of Business or to Dan Nice (dan.nice@rochester.edu) at the Center for Entrepreneurship