7th Annual Entrepreneurial Ventures Competition
Sponsored by the Harvard Business School African-American Student Union

The African-American Student Union (AASU) of the Harvard Business School would like to announce the 7th Annual Entrepreneurial Ventures Competition, as a component of the 34th Annual H. Naylor Fitzhugh Conference (February 25, 2006).

The Entrepreneurial Ventures Competition is designed to provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to present business plans before a panel of judges comprised of leading investment professionals and esteemed business leaders. In addition to a cash award, finalists will have the opportunity to develop valuable contacts with venture capital firms and other entrepreneurs, gain visibility at a premier business conference and, potentially, secure seed financing for their venture.

Industries
The competition will accept business plans from all industries and sectors including the social enterprise sector. However, developed businesses are NOT eligible for this competition. ONLY start-up companies (0-2 years in operation) are eligible.

Entry Guidelines
Teams must include at least one (1) member of an underrepresented minority group (African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, or women).

Judging
All submitted plans will be screened by venture capital professionals and the competition organizers. Finalists will be selected from the eligible plans submitted by the deadline, January 9, 2006. Selected Finalists will present their plans before a panel of investment and business professionals on February 25, 2006 during the AASU Annual Conference.

Judging Criteria
Plans will be evaluated on the following criteria: viability of concept, value creation potential, analysis of the market and competition, strength of financial impact, creativity, and management team presentation.

Prize
A cash award will be presented to the contest winner.

Schedule
January 9, 2006 Statement of Interest and Executive Summary Due
January 20, 2006 Notification of Semi-Finalists
January 27, 2006 Full Business Plans of Semi-Finalists Due
February 3, 2006 Notification of Finalists
February 25, 2006 Finalist Presentations and Selection of Winners

Enter
Submit a Statement of Interest and Executive Summary by January 9, 2006. Entrepreneurs who submit the most promising Executive Summary will be invited to submit a full business plan for further consideration.

Please submit all materials and questions to:
Chris Allen at callen@mba2007.hbs.edu