Semi-finalist teams will be asked to submit a full business plan. See calendar for deadlines. Therefore, all exhibits and technical drawings should already be contained in a Word (.doc) or Adobe (.pdf) file format. Business plans should be no longer than 15 pages. Included should be: an executive summary, technical discussions, and financial information including additional research and development monies required. An appendix of research results, technical drawings, or other appropriate materials may be included. The appendix should be no longer than 15 pages. The business plan and appendix cannot be longer than 30 pages.

Suggested Format for Business Plan
Executive Summary (2 page maximum)
Your technology or concept
The target market and size
The target customers
Your competitive advantage
Barriers to entry of competitors
Estimated technical challenges to overcome
Estimated time to commercialization/profitability
Three years of estimated revenues and net income
Estimate future funding requirements

Business Overview
Company description and business model
Value proposition- financial
Value proposition- technical
Vision Current status
Current or committed funding and all funding sources

The Market Opportunity (the problem)
Why is this such a great idea? Define the problem.
Competitive analysis (how the problem is not being solved by competitors)

Market Solution
Product or service
Description of a working model or prototype, if appropriate
How you this fulfill the market opportunity?
Ability to create barriers to entry

The Market
Identification of customer(s)
Market size, analysis and forecast
Industry analysis and forecast including competing products or companies

Management Team
Founders and key management
Industry experience, education
Board of advisors (Critical-- it can augment team experience if needed)

Technical Analysis
Outline the technical steps necessary for commercialization: What is the length of time?
Is commercialization dependent on outside contingencies?
What types of regulatory approval processes must be navigated?
What are the risks of failure?

Financial Analysis Outline
Overall financial model with detailed projections through year 3 including pro forma cash flow and budget analysis
Other analysis, as appropriate (i.e. break even analysis)
Discuss assumptions and capital requirements
Future funding requests

Additional Resources

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