Judging Rounds

Each of the following judging rounds is competitive. In each round, applications are scored by a panel of judges, with only the highest scoring applications advancing to the next round.

Round One Application

Due: November 30, 2011

For Round One, entrepreneurs will need to provide a project summary of their idea or concept. Submissions should answer the following questions clearly and concisely:

• What is your idea?
• What makes your idea innovative?
• Does your idea solve a problem or address an unmet customer need?
• What is your target market?
• Who are your competitors?
• What are your sales and marketing strategies?
• Why do you think your idea has the potential to become a profitable business?


Round Two Business Plan

Due: February 15, 2012

Entrepreneurs participating in the second round will write a business plan.
Download a copy of the Business Plan Guide to see what is required for the second round of the competition.
Up to fifteen ideas will be advanced to Round Three, the IDEA Finals.

Round Three Final Business Plan

Due: April 10, 2012

Final business plans and financials are due April 10.

Final judging will take place late April, when all finalists will be asked to make an oral presentation before the IDEA judging panel.

An awards banquet, announcing the winners and honoring all finalists will be held late April/early May.