"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."
"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!"


2010 Business Plan Competition

Newspring's third annual Business Plan Competition, in conjunction with the Houston Community College Spring Branch Campus Center for Entrepreneurship, is now underway.  Nineteen teams have been accepted for the competition and include some very promising ideas including: patient monitoring technology, bio diesel, robotic education/training, solar panel manufacturing, and the manufacturing/distribution of UV lamps to name a few.

Newspring has fifty advisors assigned to help guide the business planning efforts of their respective teams.  These advisors will work with students for a total of 4 hours per month throughout the competition.

Teams will have approximately 3 months to develop their business plans before submitting them in early April.  Five finalists will be selected to orally present their plans to a panel of judges on April 29.  The winning team will receive $12,000 in seed capital money to start their business.  Judges will include former CEO of Continental Airlines, Larry Kellner, Chairman of Memorial Herman, Gerald Bennett, and President of Whitney Bank Houston, Gary Olander.

Do you want to start your own business but don't know how? Click here to learn more.


Entry Rules

1. At least one entrant on each team must be actively enrolled and in good standing with HCC (Fall 2009 or Spring 2010: can be Continuing Education students)

2. Entrants must work in teams of at least two

3. At least one member of each team must complete BUSG 2309 (for credit) or BUSG 2009 (continuing education)

 

Who Should Apply?

- Entrants who want to turn their business idea into a serious business

- Entrants who are in a struggling business that needs a new course of action

- Entrants whose employer needs a new business direction and/or a new product line


Timeline for 2010 Competition

January 21, 2010          Enrollment deadline

January 21, 2010          Competition begins

April 8, 2010                  Submission deadline for business plans

April 29, 2010                Finalists present business plan to judges

April 30, 2010                Winners announced and awards presented