SMU Business Plan Competition
The SMU Business Plan Competition provides graduate students with the opportunity to work with their colleagues to create a viable business venture. Since its inception in 2001, teams have competed for cash prizes and in-kind awards such as office space, legal advice, full patent applications, and Marketing/PR.
The competition has four phases. In the fall, the Entrepreneurship Club will host mixers, where graduate students from the Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Dedman School of Law, and others from SMU will have the opportunity to interact and form teams for the competition. Throughout the process, teams receive guidance and consultation from local entrepreneurs and investors. In December, the Executive Summaries will be evaluated and finalists will be selected. Finalists will receive further guidance and coaching as they refine their business plans. All teams that submit an executive summary are eligible to compete in the elevator pitch competition for a cash prize. All events take place on the SMU campus, including the final presentations, where teams will pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges comprised of venture capitalists, early-stage investors, and entrepreneurs.
Past year's cash and in-kind sponsorships exceeded $30,000. This accomplishment is a result of contributions from our sponsors in the Dallas business community. Many past participants have commented that this competition was the most beneficial experience for their future careers while at SMU.
The competition has four phases. In the fall, the Entrepreneurship Club will host mixers, where graduate students from the Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Dedman School of Law, and others from SMU will have the opportunity to interact and form teams for the competition. Throughout the process, teams receive guidance and consultation from local entrepreneurs and investors. In December, the Executive Summaries will be evaluated and finalists will be selected. Finalists will receive further guidance and coaching as they refine their business plans. All teams that submit an executive summary are eligible to compete in the elevator pitch competition for a cash prize. All events take place on the SMU campus, including the final presentations, where teams will pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges comprised of venture capitalists, early-stage investors, and entrepreneurs.
Past year's cash and in-kind sponsorships exceeded $30,000. This accomplishment is a result of contributions from our sponsors in the Dallas business community. Many past participants have commented that this competition was the most beneficial experience for their future careers while at SMU.
Questions?
Please email Todd Alsup at talsup@smu.edu
