03/14/2007
BizFilings and NFIB's YEF challenge young business pioneers to compete for seed money to expand their business
| Contact: | Melissa Sharp, NFIB | Troy Janisch, BizFilings |
| (202) 554-9000 | (608) 827-5300 |
Washington, D.C.--Young entrepreneurs from across the United States can win scholarships or seed money as part of a business plan competition called "Plan for the Future." The competition is sponsored by BizFilings and the National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation.
The second annual Plan For The Future Competition is a youth business planning competition designed to enhance the entrepreneurial capability and strategic planning expertise in the next generation of entrepreneurs. The competition sponsors are accepting entries from college and high school students from March 15 through May 1, 2007. This year prizes awarded will total $15,000. The first place winner will receive $7,500, second place wins $5,000, and the third place winner will receive $2,500. There will also be up to 10 $1,000 scholarship prizes awarded.
Troy Janisch, marketing director of BizFilings, said the competition provides a valuable opportunity and incentive for participants.
"The 'Plan for the Future' competition provides promising entrepreneurs with real-life experience and encouragement for their ideas," said Janisch. "No matter what the outcome, students will gain valuable insights from simply participating in the competition. Drafting a business plan is the first, and possibly the most important, step toward starting a successful business. And we're excited about partnering with the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation to give these students a chance to fulfill their dreams."
Hank Kopcial, executive director of YEF said cosponsoring the competition is part of an ongoing effort by NFIB to promote entrepreneurship in high schools and colleges.
"Entrepreneurship is a lifelong learning process," Kopcial said. "We're pleased that BizFilings has recognized the potential in these young people. Students need opportunities such as 'Plan for the Future' to enable them to develop insights and the expertise to successfully start and manage their own businesses."
About The Contest
Students must submit a detailed plan, of no more than 20 pages, for an existing business. Elements of the plan must include: overview/profile of the business; SWOT analysis; market analysis; sales and marketing strategies and financial analysis. Participants must be high school or full-time college students.
Plan for the Future entries will be judged by an independent panel based on the quality, creativity and viability of the business plan. Entries will be accepted from March 15 to May 1, 2007. Winners will be notified in mid June.
Additional contest guidelines and details are available from BizFilings and NFIB.
About NFIB YEF
The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization promoting the importance of small business and free enterprise to the nation's youth. More information is available at www.NFIB.com/YEF.The foundation is associated with the National Federation of Independent Business; NFIB is the nation's leading small-business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system.
About BizFilings
BizFilings professionally forms corporations, limited liability companies, and nonprofits faster than anyone else. The rush service makes it possible to file a corporation or LLC in as little as 24 hours. The company has grown rapidly in the past decade, helping over 150,000 domestic and international business owners with their corporation, LLC, and nonprofit formation needs. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wis., with satellite operations around the country.
BizFilings is a part of Wolters Kluwer, a leading multinational publisher and information services company. Wolters Kluwer has annual revenues (2005) of €3.4 billion, employs approximately 18,400 people worldwide and maintains operations across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
