Awards

There are numerous benefits derived from participating in the Competitions

Access to Resources - Extensive resources for developing your business idea and business plan available on the EnterPRize 2008 website and via links contained on the website;
Educational Events - The ability to participate in workshops and special topics networking events where experts in their field will provide you with invaluable information, tools and skill sets to develop your business plan;
Networking - Networking opportunities to exchange ideas and to build your team in both Competitions as well as through the Team Building section of the website;
Working with Mentors - Semi-Finalists in the Business Plan Competition will have mentors who can provide tremendously valuable advice and guidance in developing your plan;
Suport from Ecosystem - Access and prominence within the local entrepreneurial community, including investors and financiers; and,
Funding - Cash and in-kind support services, both of which may serve as critical initial support for a new venture.

Business Idea Competition Cash Prizes - Spring Season

In the Business Idea phase, the competition will provide up to ten (10) $1,000 prizes for the best business ideas submitted. Although it is the intention of the judges to identify and award 10 of the best ideas, the total number and amount of the awards will be determined by the quality of the ideas presented. In addition, the Competition will be encouraging and seeking out ideas in various industries but these industries in no way limit the scope of ideas that will be considered. In addition, the competition may provide more than one award within an industry if it determines that they represent the best of the business ideas submitted. No more than ten (10) $1,000 awards will be granted.

The ten categories are:

Information Technology (e-commerce, software, wireless, internet etc)
Life Sciences (Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, medical services etc).
Media, Communications & Entertainment
Environmental Products & Services
Franchising (franchiser and franchisee)
Manufacturing
Consumer Products
Services
Social & Developmental (Not-for-profit) Entrepreneurship
Open Category

Entrepreneurs in Progress Internship Award (Only for Students)

For the first time, the Enterprize Business Idea Competition has included an additional award to recognize the best student's business ideas. The main objective of the Internship Award is to grant students a valuable experience for their development as "Entrepreneurs in Progress". In addition to competing for the 10 cash prizes, students may be selected to participate in a series of short internships at different companies during the Summer. Up to six Internship awards will be granted. For more details regarding the Internship Award, please go to the "Entrepreneur in Progress" web page.

Business Plan Competition Cash Prizes - Autumn Season

The $50,000 cash award will be divided among winners as follows:

1st Place $25,000
2nd Place $15,000
3rd Place $10,000