Venture Challenge - Business Plan Competition

Summary is clear, interesting, and effective as a stand-alone overview of the plan; includes brief description of other sections of the plan. Can be read in 5 minutes.

Presents vision, history, current status, strategy, goals, mission and objectives for the venture.

Describes the key features and benefits, current stage of development, proprietary position, and competitive advantages of the product or service.

Awarded only if the venture has secured license to or ownership of intellectual property to protect the product or service, or intends to secure such.

Presents the growth trends and key driving forces of the industry; identifies the key characteristics and needs of the target market(s); assesses the competitive environment; demonstrates market acceptance for the product or service.

Provides backgrounds and roles of key individuals; history and ability to work as an effective team; personnel needs; organizational structure.

Addresses the marketing, production, R&D, personnel, administrative, and financial strategies for the proposed firm.

Realistically identifies the major internal and external critical risks that could threaten the business and presents viable contingency plans to address these issues.

Presents a realistic assessment of cash requirements—inflows and outflows—over a projected 5-year period; cash flows are consistent with operating and marketing strategies outlined in the body of the plan; cash flow information detailed for first 2 years; quarterly/annually for years 3-5.

Demonstrates realistic and attractive income potential of the business; the income statement is consistent with the operating and marketing strategies outlined in the body of the plan; income statement information detailed for first 2 years; quarterly/annually for years 3-5.

Presents a realistic assessment of the working capital and fixed asset requirements of the business; appropriately reflects the projected capital structure of the business – long-term debt and equity positions; balance sheet information is projected annually for 5 years.

Presents a clear and concise description of the amount, timing, type and use of funds required for venture.

Articulates clearly the proposal/terms to private investors; identifies what the venture is seeking from investors; states how much, if any, equity will be given up in return for investment capital; presents a realistic assessment of ROI potential; and presents an appropriate deal structure and possible exit scenarios.

Is the presentation appropriate for the intended audience?
Do the speakers interact with the audience?
Is the content relevant to the audience? Are the speakers audience-centered?

Is the topic adequately introduced? Is credibility established?
Do the speakers capture the attention of the audience?
Did the speakers adequately introduce the concept(s) and presentation?
Was there a preview of the main points of the presentation?

Is there a clear purpose/thesis/theme to the presentation?
Is the topic stated clearly?

Do the speakers identify major ideas and support their goal?
Is adequate research/support (rationale)/evidence provided in the presentation?
Are the key ideas adequately explained?
Are examples and evidence relevant/appropriate?

Is the presentation well organized?
Are the major ideas organized in a specific structure?
Are there clear transitions?

Are effective delivery skills (gestures/body position) employed in the presentation?
Do the speakers use appropriate body movement?
Is appropriate eye contact maintained by the speakers?
When applicable, are visual aids used effectively?

Do the speakers go beyond simply reading the content?
Is there effective continuity and fluency? Clear?
Is rate and pacing appropriate? Dynamic? Energetic?
Are volume levels appropriate (projection)? Is delivery immediate and audience centered?

Are the speakers knowledgeable and prepared?
Do the speakers accomplish his/her purpose?

Do the speakers clearly summarize their major ideas?
Is the final statement effective and memorable?

Is the presentation creative (interesting and memorable)?
Is the presentation more than a series of talking heads?
Has the audience learned something new?

Do the speakers ask the audience for questions?
Do the speakers satisfactorily answer audience questions?
Is there continuity in the audience interaction (effective and smooth)?