"I would honestly have to say that this was the very best experience I had ever had. I had the opportunity to explore creative ways to put my ideas forward as well as learning from highly talented and amazing advisors how to communicate my ideas in a professional way."

"I learned how to take not only a idea but my dream, and pull people I knew that felt the same as me in to believing what a few people working together can do for positive outcomes. I learned to ask for what I believe in, work as a dedicated team, take criticism and learn from it to develop something better and work hard."

"You have so many wonderfully experienced advisers, to see their credentials was so impressive. Thank you for involving these people of merit in this endeavor! The training sessions were great and I really loved the video on the T&C website and the poster in the halls; that was great marketing. I saw the poster while I was checking out the school – it convinced me to pursue enrolling!"

"I feel that this competition is very much needed in this community and at HCCS, because it helps students realize they can be successful, make a difference in the community and listen to people such as our advisors and make the most of what comes before them."

Past Competitions

2011 | 2010 | 2009

2011 Business Plan Competition

Sterling Bank named title sponsor

Business Plan Competition Announces Winners!

The fourth annual Newspring Business Plan Competition drew to a close on April 28, 2011 when the judges scored the five finalist teams for the last time. This year’s competition exceeded last year’s competition with over 35 entrants applying; of which, 25 teams were selected to begin the competition. Fifteen of these teams submitted their complete business plans on April 15. Newspring provided each of these 15 teams with experienced business advisors while HCC’s Spring Branch campus provided each team with a Faculty Sponsor. Five of the 15 qualifying teams were selected to present their plan to a panel of five judges in the finals. The judges listened to the presentations, and then scored each team. The numbers were counted and were so close, that a recount was requested before the judges could be satisfied about the winners.

Winning teams received their seed capital on May 2 at HCC’s Spring Branch campus. The awards are as follows:

1st place: Time for Tots - $12,000 in seed capital

Desiree Worrell-Mosley, with Newspring advisers Tracy Little and Robert Westheimer

Time for Tots satisfies the demand for alternative child care in the West Houston area by opening a drop-in child care center. A drop- in child care center enables parents to utilize child care services on an hourly basis as needed as opposed to one weekly rate whether the parent uses the service once or every day.

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From L to R: Robert Westheimer, Jack Barry, Desiree Worrell-Mosley, Tracy Little, Dr. Mary Spangler, Dr. Zachary Hodges, Downey Bridgwater

2nd place: Soccer Revo - $8,000 in seed capital

Anas Maguz and Nura Baaba, with Newspring advisers Steve Rosencranz and Steve Tacconelly

Soccer Revo provides Houston, Texas with the first fully-catered, variable field size, indoor and climate-controlled soccer facility to soccer aficionados and novices alike with flexibility in use and amenities provided set within a state-of-the-art arena facility.

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From L to R: Steve Tacconelly, Steve Rosencranz, Robert Westheimer, Jack Barry, Anas Maguz, Dr. Mary Spangler, Dr. Zachary Hodges, Downey Bridgwater

3rd place: Human Nation - $4,000 in seed capital

Khurum Choudry and Shazia Choudry with Newspring adviser Richard Tyler

Human Nation is a unique specialty clothing and accessories retailer designed to initiate change and create meaningful dialogue between members of today’s society with an idea of providing help to the less fortunate.

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From L to R: Robert Westheimer, Jack Barry, Khurum Choudry, Shazia Choudry, Richard Tyler, Dr. Mary Spangler, Dr. Zachary Hodges, Downey Bridgwater

Honorable mention: Paleo Place - $500 in seed capital

Meredith Howse with Newspring advisers Ray McLaughlin and Tom McClurkin

Paleo Place is an upscale specialty retail start up in Katy, Texas that focuses on home décor with a gift gallery dedicated to sharing the beauty and wonderment of natural history through a niche aspect that is referred to as “geo-décor”.

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From L to R: Robert Westheimer, Jack Barry, Meredith Howse, Dr. Mary Spangler, Dr. Zachary Hodges, Downey Bridgwater

Honorable mention: Rising Stars Learning Center - $500 in seed capital

Melissa Sanders and Shervetta Sanders with Newspring advisers Elizabeth Killinger, Andrea Gallien and Scott Owen

Rising Stars Learning Center is an innovative licensed home-based childcare center that focuses on each child as a whole through childcare services of love, exemplary education, and Christian principles.

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From L to R: Robert Westheimer, Andrea Gallien, Jack Barry, Melissa Sanders, Shervetta Sanders, Dr. Mary Spangler, Dr. Zachary Hodges, Downey Bridgwater

Human Nation, Time for Tots and Soccer Revo

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From L to R: Robert Westheimer, Richard Tyler, Khurum Choudry, Shazia Choudry, Desiree Worley, Anas Maguz, Steve Rosencranz, Steve Tacconelly, Tracy Little