MHRBPC http://www.marist.edu/mhrbpc/ Sponsored by: Mid Hudson Regional Business Plan Competition hosted by Marist College April 7, 2017 MHRBPC http://www.marist.edu/mhrbpc/ Sponsored by:

Regional Participants

Thank you for your hard work and support! David Gavin, Marist College Helene Rude, Marist College Tina Cornell, Marist College Melissa Smith, Marist College Scott Willmen, Dutchess Community College Donald Urmston, SUNY Orange Lissa Young, United States Military Academy at West Point Planning Committee

Eligibility Requirements Open to all undergraduate and graduate students from accredited colleges in the Mid-Hudson region Must have been enrolled during the 2016-2017 academic year Teams of 1-6 students Must have a faculty or staff advisor; offering guidance, support and technical expertise Ventures should fall into one of the following categories: Clean Tech Information technology/Software Development Advanced Technology Products Services Social/Non-Profit Student teams will be asked to identify the category for their venture Students may not participate on more than 1 team each year of the competition Cumulative public and private capital raised may not exceed $100,000 Student ownership of the venture must be 100%

Prizes Prize money will be awarded at the regional competition to the two top teams from each category A maximum of two teams from each of the 6 categories will be invited to the statewide final competition held in Albany on Friday, April 28, 2017 What’s up for grabs at the state level? Over $500,000 in cash and in kind prizes Last year’s grand prize winning team took home $100K in cash and in-kind services 2016 Grand Prize Team

New York State Competition info http://www.sunycnse.com/newyorkbusinessplancompetition.aspx

NYS Competition History

Since 2010, 2100+ teams have competed; $2,300,000 has been awarded, over $5M has been raised by grand prize teams.

Additional Benefits Ventures are able to showcase their business/technology to an audience of seasoned business professionals and investors Network with potential investors, service providers, strategic partners, and seasoned executives Network with other like-minded entrepreneurs from cross NYS Gain valuable experience

2017 timeline Currently Applications accepted for regional competition- teams should begin fine tuning their ideas. Regional Champions engage in outreach for participants and event sponsors March 10, 2017 Application deadline March 11, 2017- March 23, 2017 Committee externally evaluate applications March 24, 2017 Notify regional teams selected to present Teams work with mentors to refine pitch April 3, 2017 Final presentations due April 7, 2017 Regional Business Plan Competition April 28, 2017 New York State Business Plan Competition

Judging Judges at the business plan competition rate participating teams based on the following criteria: Compelling Idea/Venture Founders & Team Pitch Quality Judging rubric categories: WHY YOU?  Does the individual or team have the ability, skills, and passion to implement this business, non-profit, or produce the product or service?  If this requires technology or production of a prototype, does someone on the team have the skill to do it? WHO CARES? Is there a market locally, nationally, or internationally for this product or service?  If this is a social/nonprofit venture, is there a significant need begin met?  Have the students spoken with prospective customers? SO WHAT? Does this team already have a venture in place and already operating?  If this is a product or service do they have a prototype or have they already started offering the service? PRESENTATION and Q&A clear, concise and effective overview of the venture, product, or service.  Ability to succinctly respond to judges' inquiries and give substantive answers. Look at the handout regarding judging criteria

Sample Format Company Name at the top of each slide Mission and purpose Business model A. How will your business generate sustainable profits? Value Proposition Key strategies B. Company history When and why was the company formed? What is the ownership structure; principal stakeholders Product Describe the product or service Customer benefits Differentiation from competitors How to keep others out, barriers to entry (e.g. patents, proprietary process, competitive advantages, etc.) Keep technical description to a minimum Markets Who are the key customers (Names, demographic profile, etc.) Size of markets and growth rate How to reach these markets Other trends likely to influence market People Management team and relevant experience especially that which is related to start-ups Industry experience Other key people and advisors Number, mix and capabilities of employees Financial Current sales/sales anticipated in 3 years (pricing and volume) Margins Relative to financing needs How much is needed, and when How will it be used How it will be repaid to investors and/or debtors (if applicable) Achievements to date Important milestones Next Steps

Case in Point: 2013 Grand Prize Team WordsEye

2014 1st Place Products & Services KettleShell

Case in Point: 2015 Grand Prize Team UMA Bioseed

Final Case in Point One of the first grand prize winners http://www.ecovativedesign.com/