SOVA Collegiate Business Plan Competition
Enter the Southern Virginia Collegiate Business Plan Competition
STUDENTS
Commit to this 6-month journey to enhance your college experience – get the education, skills, mentorship, and motivation necessary to create a viable start-up company in Southern Virginia!
FACULTY AND STAFF
Every participating higher education institution is GUARANTEED at least one team in the semifinals. Give your students the opportunity of a lifetime by encouraging them to enter and by being a coach!
Open to All Majors and Schools in Southern Virginia
This event is being planned and organized by the SOVA Innovation Hub, Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, and Averett University. We encourage students from all schools in our region, all majors and all backgrounds to consider joining a team – you do not need to be a business major to compete, and teams with people with diverse skills and backgrounds will have an advantage.
If you are interested in maximizing your experience in the competition, you are encouraged to enroll in an entrepreneurship course at your school.
Process
The competition begins in November when applications are due, and extends through the entire academic year, culminating in April with the final pitch before a panel of judges. The competition consists of three rounds. Feedback and instruction are given for each round, so it is not necessary to have any business background to enter. Teams who make it to the second round will be required to find a mentor, which we can assist with if needed.
Timeline (subject to change – will be finalized by October 1)
October 14, 2021
Virtual Information Session for Students and Faculty/Staff
November 12, 2021
Round 1: submissions due by noon
December 6, 2021
Semifinalists notified
December 10, 2021
Semifinalists notify of intent to continue
January 20, 2022
Virtual Workshop for semifinalists
February 3, 2022
Feasibility studies due by noon
February 14-18, 2022
Round 2: Virtual Semifinals (week long interviews)
February 22, 2022
Finalists notified
February 24, 2022
Virtual Workshop for finalists
April 7, 2022
Final business plans due by noon
April 21, 2022
Round 3: Finals – Pitch Competition
For more information, please contact hello@sovainnovationhub.com or email the key point of contact at your school:
Jacob Dolence, Longwood University
Andrew King, Hampden-Sydney College
John Vigouroux or Peggy Wright, Averett University
Event Partners & Sponsors
