EVENT INFORMATION AND TIMELINE

The Bard Center Business Plan Competition is one of the foremost events for early stage companies in Colorado. The first Bard Center Business Plan Competition was held in 2002 and the event has been growing ever since. It seeks to promote the development of high-caliber business plans, recognize the most outstanding plans with more than $50,000 in cash and in-kind awards from area businesses, and encourage the creation of new businesses.

February 13, 2013 5:30 PM – Orientation (optional event)

March 25, 2013 5:00 PM – Application deadline

April 16, 2013 5:30 PM – Plan Improvement Workshop (optional event)

May 1, 2013 3:00 PM -- Complete and final business plan submission deadline

May 8, 2013 5:00 PM -- Elevator Pitch Night

May 30, 2013 -- Finalists will be announced

June 18, 2013 8:00 AM – Final competition presentations

June 18, 2013 12:00 PM -- Awards luncheon

EVENT RULES

The Business Plan Competition is designed for Colorado-based companies which have been in business for less than 2 years and have not received any angel or venture capital funding prior to the competition. This year, the competition is open to any venture that includes a University of Colorado student or alum from any campus and program on its management team.

Previous business plan competition winners may only enter with a new business idea.

All finalists will receive cash prizes ranging between $10,000 and $1,000. In-kind services are also awarded to the top winners.

Business plans must be based on original work: creating a new business or substantially improving an existing business. Finalists must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to receive monetary prizes. Key metrics used for scoring include potential viability of the company, innovation, scalability and overall quality of the written plan.

Note: You will be creating an account prior to submitting your application.  This will allow you to return to your account and make the necessary updates and changes throughout the competition

Questions?  Visit our Support Page.