Fifth Annual Minority Business Plan Competition

Posted by on January 14, 2005

Fifth Annual Minority Business Plan Competition

Background & Purpose:
Founded in 1989 by the Wharton Small Business Development Center (SBDC), The Enterprise Center (TEC) nurtures entrepreneurs and grows companies in urban settings. TEC is located in the original home of American Bandstand, and was named ?Incubator of the Year? by the National Business Incubation Association in 1999. TEC believes new business development is central to the transformation of declining urban communities. A key aspect of The Enterprise Center?s philosophy is a focus not only on the incubation of companies, but on individual entrepreneurial talent, and nurturing a new breed of innovative and socially responsible community leaders. In facilitating this philosophy and mission, TEC is the premier support system for providing business development resources and technical assistance to entrepreneurs.

The purpose of the 5th Annual Business Plan Competition is to accelerate the business start-up process, provide tools and support to increase the formation and the success rate of minority owned businesses. Since 1999, the competitions have had over 500 entrants and The Enterprise Center has awarded over $200K in cash awards and over $100K in in-kind office space.

This year, the competition will have six categories. The best plans in Software Development, Light Manufacturing and Distribution, Professional Services, Information Technology, and Most Creative and Innovative will receive a $10,000 cash prize, free office space at The Enterprise Center, and other valuable in-kind business resources. The Philadelphia Empowerment Zone is funding a sixth cash prize of $30K to The Best Landscaping Business.

Significant Dates:
Round 1 Deadline: January 21, 2005
Round 2 Deadline: April 28, 2005
Round 3 Presentations: June 6-10, 2005
Awards Reception: June 23, 2005

All submissions will be accepted via the Internet only at The Enterprise Center’s web site, http://www.theenterprisecenter.com/mbpc.


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