An upcoming business plan competition at Hofstra University stands out because of its focus on helping women and families.
According to a press release from the school, the InnovateHER Competition is open to entrepreneurs (individuals, teams or companies) from Long Island and the New York metropolitan region with products and services that fit the following criteria:
- They have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families.
- They have the potential for commercialization.
- They fill a need in the marketplace.
Products or services in the competition can be in the idea stage.
The winner of the Hofstra competition will then advance to consideration by the Small Business Administration. Entrepreneurs chosen to advance by the SBA will compete March 16-17, 2016, at the Women’s Summit National Finals in Washington, D.C., for cash prizes of up to $40,000.
Judges for the Hofstra competition include Dr. Elizabeth Venuti, senior associate dean of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business; Dr. Anne Hamby; and Dr. Veronika Ilyuk, both assistant professors of marketing and international business.
The newly launched Hofstra University Center for Entrepreneurship will administer the InnovateHER Competition. The center leverages the research and entrepreneurial activities at the Frank G. Zarb School of Business and Hofstra’s other schools. Executive Dean Mark Lesko leads the center.
Applications for the competition must include a cover page and a business plan of no more than 20 pages. A PowerPoint (or similarly formatted) presentation is optional. Applications are due Nov. 30. through Nov. 27, and questions about the event can be sent to Stacey.Sikes@Hofstra.edu.