Great Valley Techology Alliance - GVTA Business Plan Competition

Please see below for important links to information regarding the 2008 competition

A Message from the Co-Chairs of the

6^th Annual 2008 Great Valley
Business Plan Competition

Bob Borwick, Performance Marketing Group

Renée Zehel, Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations, Marywood University

Welcome to one of the region’s greatest success stories – the Great Valley Business Plan Competition, which provides talented college and university students with opportunities to succeed right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Celebrating our 6^th anniversary, the Competition enables students with solid, technology-based business plans a chance to win $20,000 in start-up capital and over $40,000 of in-kind services such as printing, payroll, and legal.

Since 2002, our region’s colleges/universities, Chambers of Commerce, and over 40 regional businesses have provided financial and in-kind services. This reflects a deep commitment and genuine interest in retaining our region’s best and brightest.

How do we measure success?

¨ Over $125,000 in cash and in-kind services for first, second, and third place winners

¨ New businesses housed in area incubators. You may recognize some of these Business Plan Competition (BPC) winners:

- perfectlawyer.com (a legal search service)

- Hanna Chem (a manufacturer of lip balm and hand salve)

- Eleven Moons (a video production/streaming video company)

- Grad Techs (a plagiarism tool).

- Shirtificates (an innovative fundraising technology company)

¨ The launch of several additional companies from other BPC contestants, resulting from key networking opportunities also available through the Competition

¨ Positive contributions to the economic growth and vitality of our region!

Indeed, the entrepreneurial spirit on which our region was founded continues to thrive. Each year, we are energized by the region’s talented students and dedicated volunteers who participate in the BPC. Equally impressive is the continued commitment of our sponsors to whom we are grateful for making possible such an exciting contest.

We are honored to work with such a high caliber group of students, faculty, volunteers, and sponsors who share the same vision to retain talented individuals and help their new businesses take flight.

As we celebrate six years of promoting innovative thinking and entrepreneurship, we invite all creators, risk-takers, and others in need of that critical start-up capital to submit a plan. You, too, can be a part of this regional success story. Start writing your chapter today!

Best wishes,

Bob Borwick and Renée Zehel