Enter the 2012 Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge
by Mandee Heller Adler
CEO of International College Counselors
High School students who have a great idea for a business, should enter the 13th Annual Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge, said college experts at International College Counselors.
Last year three students from International College Counselors won the challenge!
More information can be found on the Miami Herald website here and I’ve pasted some relevant parts of the rules below.
Expert college advisors at International College Counselors say winning this Challenge will look good to colleges and, even if a student doesn’t win, it’s a great learning opportunity and/or a launchpad for some budding entrepreneurs.
A panel of judges will select the three best business plans submitted by high school students, grades 9-12, based on both the quality of the idea and the submitted plan.
According to The Miami Herald, general rules for high school students wanting to enter the Business Plan Challenge include:
* Students must live in South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties).
* The entry must be no more than three pages, type no smaller than 10 point. Students may include one additional page of supporting material, such as a product picture or diagram, a financial spreadsheet or marketing materials.
* The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. A one- or two-page entry is fine in the student category. Put “High School Entry” at the top. A video of the top student winner with be filmed and it will be featured on MiamiHerald.com.
* Entries must be for proposed for-profit businesses or firms in the start-up phase. Companies launched before Jan. 1, 2010 are not eligible. If the submission is an original franchise idea, it will be allowed. Multiple entries from one person are allowed if they are different business ideas.
Entries must be e-mailed by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012.
The top three competitors will be the subjects of a Miami Herald Business Monday cover story and section. Winners will also be invited to a luncheon in their honor.
If you are a client of International College Counselors and want us to review your business plan, please contact your advisor and they will be more than happy to do so.
May the best business plan win!
International College Counselors
(954) 414-9986
www.internationalcollegecounselors.com