• Support students, alumni and faculty researchers in their entrepreneurial endeavors
• Encourage the commercialization of promising ideas and the creation of new ventures
• Be a catalyst for economic development and new business growth in Colorado

Awards: $20,500 in cash awards will be given to the top six business plans
                       1^st place $10,000    2^nd place $5,000   3^rd place $2,500

4^th-6^th places $1,000

In addition, over $80,000 of in-kind awards will go to the winners

Special Cash Awards in Bioscience and Nonprofit
Special award categories have been created for the top business plans in the bioscience and nonprofit business fields in order to encourage the development of business plans from these two important business segments.  

Eligibility: Graduate students, faculty, and alumni from a Colorado university/college.

Application process:
An orientation meeting will be held on February 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Anyone interested in entering the Competition must submit an application by March 13, 2008.  Business Plans are due May 1, 2008. Please check the website for updated information at: www.cudenver.edu/bard.

Important Dates:
February 7, 5:30-6:30pm – Bard Center

• Orientation for all interested participants
• Talk with last year’s winner
• Criteria discussed

March 13, 5:30-6:30pm – Bard Center

• Applications Due/Applicant Orientation
• Talk with one of the judges
• Process discussed

May 1 – Business Plans Due

May 29 – Students Notified

June 11 – Presentations/Awards Luncheon

Reminder: The Business Plan Competition is open to all graduate students, alumni, faculty and staff of Colorado Colleges and Universities. The Bard Center is located in the Masonic Building on the 16th Street mall between Glenarm and Welton: 535 16th Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO, 80202

www.cudenver.edu/bard for more details