HCC’s annual 2019 Business Plan Competition (BPC) is an opportunity for proposed, startup and existing entrepreneurs to develop focused plans to start or grow their businesses.
The BPC will begin in February through May, with five free, two-hour training sessions. Two mentors will be provided to each team.
Applications are accepted January 1-30, 2019.
* All applicants MUST attend the one-day Financial workshop.
* Proposed & startup entrepreneur applicants should take this quick online class (24 hours on-line over six-weeks).
Seed money will be awarded to top five teams.
Last year $26,000 was awarded in cash to the top five teams, with $30,000 in in-kind prizes and $78,000 of support services!
All teams will receive in-kind prizes and support services.
Competition Dates Combined Shape Created with Sketch.
The competition is open to entrepreneurs pursuing proposed and startup businesses. It is also open to existing business owners planning their next level of growth.
Startup Business – Businesses that have been launched/opened, but are still in the process of proving the business model and management. A company is considered a startup until it demonstrates 6 consecutive months of positive cash flow & profitability.
Existing Business– An existing business can range from a small business to a large enterprise. In either case the initial business model has been proven and they are operating for the most part profitably with positive cash-flow. The primary focus of the company is growing the business profitably and adjusting the business model accordingly.
More details on existing businesses.
Entrants are encouraged (but not required) to work in teams of two or more. A team can consist of from one to five persons who are actively involved in the business venture during planning, opening and implementation of the business plan/growth plan.
Proposed and Startup Entrepreneurs – Class & Workshop – Proposed and Startup team leaders are required to take a Class (see options below) and the 1-day Financial Workshop.
Existing Business Owners – Workshop – Existing Business Owners are required to take the 1-day Financial workshop only.
HCC Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Alumni – No Prerequisites – The 1-day financial workshop is recommended, but optional.
3) Entrepreneurship & Economic Development – BUSG 1373 (for credit); prior to the competition. HCC students must be in good academic standing.
Financial Workshop – Required for Proposed, Startup and Existing Business Owners* – A one-day workshop. Multiple opportunities for this workshop will be offered December 13, January 15, January 26 and February 2. Note for HCC Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Alumni, the Financial Workshop is NOT required; it is recommended, but optional.
Applicants may take the Financial Workshop on February 2 after the application period has closed on January 30 but before teams are selected and announced on February 15, provided they have registered for the workshop prior to application submission.
Some Proposed and Startup entrepreneurs may apply to take the class concurrently – during the competition – but each applicant will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on the past experience/resume of the applicants. Those wishing to apply in this manner should sign up and pay for the class, prior to submitting their BPC application.
*Note, Graduates of the HCC Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program are NOT required to take the prerequisite class options. Your completion of the 10,000 Small Businesses program is considered your prerequisite class.
Dr. Zachary Hodges, President, HCC Northwest is the Visionary Responsible for Launching & Overseeing the Annual Competition.
“Our competition gets better every year thanks to an extraordinary collaboration between accomplished business leaders and an entrepreneurial college. I personally want to thank visionary leaders Robert Westheimer, Jack Barry and Richard Tyler from Newspring for all their past service in the competition, as well as Sandra Louvier, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship. Also invaluable to the competition is the outstanding support by mentors, judges, sponsors, and staff.
I believe that Human Capital Development = Economic Development = Community Development. This practical working competition pairs experienced trainers and mentors with aspiring and existing entrepreneurs primed for success through HCC’s entrepreneurial programs.
Interview on Dialogue Houston TV Show about BPC With Last Year’s Competition Leader Jack Barry.