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!

Register for the Info Session

Learn more about the SOVA Regional Collegiate Business Plan Competition

The info session will be held on Zoom on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 4:30pm.

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