Take
The $50,000 Challenge
Building on the overwhelming success of last year's pioneering business
plan writing competition, COSE has added more excitement, more opportunities,
and more prizes for 2003!
Three new business plan categories have been added, as well as
additional prize money and other valuable business-related rewards.
Business Plans will be judged in the following eight categories:
· Startup · Innovation/Growth · Manufacturing
· Technology · Artist · 30 & Under ·
Female · Minority
In addition to the $50,000 Best in Show prize ($35,000 + $15,000
category prize), eight category winners will win $15,000, and
eight runners up category winners will take home $3,000 each.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is regional in scope. Entrants must be either
residents of Northeast Ohio with an established business venture
or planning to launch a business venture in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga,
Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage or Summit county, or members
of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association/COSE, the Greater
Akron Chamber, CAMP, or NEOSA.
Why Take the Challenge
The 2003 COSE Business Plan Challenge offers a whopping $179,000
in prize money to this year's contest winners! This number is
nearly double the amount offered in the initial Challenge, run
in 2002.
Of course, we realize that not everyone will win a prize, so
COSE designed the Challenge to provide benefits and value for
each entrant that participates. First and foremost, the prize
is a finalized business plan, which is an invaluable tool for
running an efficient business. Just as important is the feedback
each plan author receives from seasoned and knowledgeable judges
to help improve and strengthen both the written plan and the business
model.
In addition, the COSE Business Plan Challenge creates a supportive
and exciting environment through ongoing educational and networking
opportunities that bring established and emerging entrepreneurs
together with peers, investors, vendors, and assistance providers.
Get on-line and take the Challenge today!
Although writing a business plan is no simple task, participating
in the COSE Business Plan Challenge is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3! Check
out the six steps below (of which only three are required) to
see how simple it is to enter.
Step 1 Registration (Highly Recommended)
Join the www.cosechallenge.org e-mail list and have the latest
and most updated information on the Challenge brought to you.
Step 2 Get Connected (Optional)
Take advantage of the many seminars, resources, and networking
opportunities throughout the region that can help you write your
plan and grow your business.
Step 3 Write the Plan (Required)
Check out www.cosechallenge.org for the required business plan
elements, a glossary of terms, assistance providers in your area,
and tips and suggestions provided by experts and Challenge judges.
Step 4 Letter of Intent (Required)
The Letter of Intent must be notarized. It is available at www.cosechallenge.org.
For your convenience, COSE will host a Letter of Intent reception,
with notaries public present, at the Terrace Club on Monday, August
4, 2003.
Step 5 Submit Plan (Required)
Be sure to check the Web site for necessary elements, binding
requirements, deadlines and other important information.
Step 6 How to Get Exposure (Optional)
Once entered in the COSE Business Plan Challenge 2003, you'll
have the option to submit your company's profile to the Challenge
Web site. These profiles will also be distributed in bound and
printed form to the lenders and investors that attend the COSE
Business Plan Challenge Investors Networking event, after the
winners of the COSE Business Plan Challenge 2003 are announced.
Important Dates
Letter of Intent Deadline - August 5, 2003
Business Plans Submission Deadline - September 2, 2003
Winners Announced - December 9, 2003
If you have further questions about these steps or the Business
Plan Challenge 2003, please go to the Web site at www.cosechallenge.org
or call the COSE Customer Service department at 216.592.2222.
