1. BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION MYTHBUSTERS “I need a BIG IDEA…” –MYTH! – Any idea is welcome, most of the revolutionary businesses have come out of small ideas “I have to know how to write a business plan…” –MYTH! – We’ll give you training and mentoring along the way –Teams are also eligible to receive one free copy of Palo Alto Software’s Business Plan Pro software application “This competition is only for business majors…” –MYTH! – the competitors represent almost every discipline across campus –Statistics show most successful entrepreneurs did not study business as a major “I don’t think I can be competitive against MBA’s and alumni…” –MYTH! - You can by competing in tracks that capitalize upon your skills and enthusiasm –You can also build a competitive team using the Team Match process –Last year’s winners were undergraduate teams “I need a fully developed idea by the first session” –MYTH! - Help is available at all levels of development, through the training sessions and the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies’ Entrepreneur-in- Residence Program –No formal submission is due until October 29 th “I have to have a team put together” –MYTH! - We have resources available to help you meet others who can join your team to help develop that concept or technology into a viable business. “I have to have my own business idea” –MYTH! - We’ll help connect you with others who have a vision but need your drive and skills to make the team come to life. Have an idea, but you’re thinking, “What’s an Elevator Pitch?”, “I’ve never heard of a business plan!” “What on earth is an Angel investor?” “Where do I begin?!?” We provide training every step of the way. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Drop by the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies: 234 Mendoza College of Business Email us at: entrep@nd.eduentrep@nd.edu Call us at: 574/631-3042

2. 2007/2008 Notre Dame Business Plan Competitions The McCloskey Business Plan Competition Traditional entrepreneurial ventures, inventions, ideas, etc. compete in the McCloskey Business Plan Competition. Past winners of this competition have included an alternative to blinds and shades, an organic solution for lawn care needs and a courier service offering same- day delivery of online purchases. New This Year! New McCloskey Competition tracks allow students of all majors and backgrounds to participate competitively –Arts –Sciences –Service Industry –Low-Tech and Finance –High-Tech and Engineering Prize money is available in each track! The New McCloskey Competition “Wild Card Round” offers a second chance to get into the final Full Business Plan Round – and benefit from the full educational experience Travel Team opportunities – want to represent Notre Dame by presenting your pitch and plan at a national competition? Drop by the Gigot Center to learn more! The Sustainable Social Ventures Competition Ventures with a social mission or purpose, sometimes referred to as a “double bottom line” or “triple bottom line” compete here. Past winners of this competition include a unique housing solution for working families in underdeveloped countries, a company which mixes tourism in Cambodia with volunteerism, and a reseller of used books which supports literacy programs and provides environmental benefits. Key elements to participation include the presence of a double or triple bottom line – and a sustainable business model. These competitions and associated events bring members of the Notre Dame Community together to learn, foster new business development and compete for substantial cash rewards and other prizes, services and honors. Entries are reviewed in each round by panels of judges who are seasoned entrepreneurs with a true market-view of the viability and potential for plans and innovations. Competitors have the opportunity throughout the competition to network with judges, entrepreneurs, angel investors and venture capitalists. KEY DATES FOR EARLY FALL: September 11, 6:30pm @ Legends: Mixer and Information Session September 26, 6:00pm @ The Eck Center Alumni Auditorium: Training Session on Writing the Elevator Pitch October 19, 3:00pm @ Mendoza College of Business, Jordan Auditorium: Elevator Pitch Competition and Competition Kickoff