NCET Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition Receives Record Number of Submissions
48 student teams will vie for best business plan and other awards
Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET) has announced that a record number of business plans have been submitted for the 2008 Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition. The Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup is the only statewide collegiate business plan competition where students from Nevada’s universities and colleges team up and compete for nearly $110,000 in cash awards.
This year a record 48 business plans were submitted for the competition and among the participating students, a much broader range of academic disciplines have become involved in the contest. In addition to the students in business and engineering disciplines who have regularly participated, represented majors this year include journalism, biology, biochemistry, history, hotel management and fine arts.
“We are very pleased with the phenomenal growth we’ve had since the competition’s inception, and are excited to have more of Nevada’s young talent competing than ever before,” said Dave Archer, NCET CEO. “This year’s competition is sure to be great for the students’ and the community’s entrepreneurial growth.”
The competition has also seen a significant rise in the number of students competing per team, with a total of 146 students, up from last year’s 109. This year 111 undergraduate students from academic institutions all across the state represent the 36 undergraduate business plans and 35 graduate students have teamed up to submit 12 graduate business plans. Among submissions for the best overall business plans, the competition has also seen an increase in business plans for the Lt. Governor’s Award. 24 business plans will be judged this year for the Lt. Governor’s Award, which goes to the business plan that best employs clean, renewable or efficient energy technologies and services.
The winners of this year’s competition will be announced at an awards luncheon ceremony on Friday, April 25 at the Green Valley Ranch Casino Resort in Henderson, Nevada. NCET is currently seeking sponsorships from interested businesses and members of the business community who would like to donate or attend the awards ceremony. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation graciously provides a majority of the funds to put on the competition every year, but the NCET still incurs more than $100,000 in costs associated with the competition. Individual and corporate sponsorships start at $250 and tables of 8 to this year’s award ceremony are also available for purchase. For more information on event sponsorships, competition entry information, and awards gala reservations, visit www.2008GovCup.com or contact Emily Lowe at (775) 337-3328 or Emily@NCET.org