The Entrepreneurial Studies Institute at Anne Arundel Community College is hosting its second Business Plan Competition to showcase former and current students’ expertise.

The competition is open to AACC credit or noncredit students currently enrolled or who completed a course between March 15, 2004 and March 15, 2005. Groups also may enter the competition if at least half of the team members meet the enrollment criteria.

March 17 is the deadline for submitting proposals. The plan must be original and may involve a new start-up venture, a new product or market development in an existing venture that is less than three years old.

Business plan presentations should mock an investor presentation seeking a specified investment or loan for a proposed return.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to receive feedback from experts in the business community including venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and bankers,” said Carlene Cassidy, AACC institute director. “In addition, it is a chance to present to an audience of business, banking, legal and government individuals, which may lead to other great opportunities.”

To enter, provide eight presentation copies of the plan in person or by mail to the AACC Business Division office, Careers Center Room 205, Arnold, MD 21012-1895. No electronic submissions are allowed.

The competition finals take place at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, in the Cade Center for Fine Arts Room 219 on AACC’s Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway. Three to five finalists will present their plans and answer questions from a panel of judges comprised of entrepreneurs, investors, commercial lenders and entrepreneurial scholars. Presentations will take place in front of an audience of invited guests. Winners will receive cash prizes.

The institute provides business training through credit and noncredit classes for students or current business owners with aspirations of starting or improving their own businesses. An entrepreneurial resource center also is on the AACC Arnold campus.

For plan criteria or information, call Cassidy at 410-777-2161 or e-mail cmcassidy@aacc.edu.

Important Links

• AACC Homepage
• Entrepreneurial Studies Inst.
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