The 2010 North of Boston Business Plan Competition

Sponsored By The Enterprise Center at Salem State College 

The Enterprise Center at Salem State College, in conjunction with leading organizations (including HBN) throughout Essex County and Merrimack Valley, announces the sixth annual North of Boston Business Plan Competition.

Eligibility Requirements

The requirements for the competition are that the:

• Business be less than three years old and have no venture investment,

• Business have no other investment more than $200,000 (real estate excluded),

• Must commit to hiring five full-time equivalent employees beyond the founders by the end of two years and

• Must locate in the defined geographic area of Essex County and Merrimack Valley Region.

Prize and Judges

The first prize this year will be $5,000, second $3,000 and the third $2,000.
The benefit to our region is that the competition helps us find and help growth
companies. The judges in the competition are angel investors, venture
capital investors, bankers and other community leaders. The plans submitted
will be read by people that young businesses would usually never be able to
interest in their plans -- and they'll get valuable feedback.

Business Plan Competition Timetable

• January 28 - Plan overviews and entry forms are due no later than 5:00 pm
• February 4 - Writing a Competitive Business Plan Workshop. Held by the Small Business Development Center at The Enterprise Center, Salem 8:30 am - 10:30 am
• February 26 - Final Business Plans are due to the Enterprise Center no later than 5:00 pm
• March 18 - Semifinalists announced
• March 31 - Judges interview semifinalists and select finalists
• April 1 - Finalists announced
• April 12 - Public presentations at Central Campus Recital Hall, Salem State College, 71 Loring Ave., Salem, MA 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

For complete information go to North of Boston Business Plan Competition, Enterprise Center.