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7th Annual BOSS Business Plan Competition |
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Murdoch, Aspen, Birch, and Cottonwood Rooms
Bismarck Civic Center, Bismarck, ND
The 7th Annual BOSS Business Plan Competition is open to anyone age 25 and under with the desire to locate/start a business in North Dakota. The competition is intended to simulate the real-world process of entrepreneurs soliciting start-up funds from early stage investors and venture capital firms. The judges function as venture capital investors deciding which business venture they would most likely fund.
This year’s participants have submitted their written business plans. Based on their scores, 24 Business plans were selected to participate in Phase II: Semi-Final Round. From this round, eight finalists will be chosen to participate in Phase III: “Elevator” Round (Finals). Up to $8,000 will be awarded to winning teams. A major benefit to all participants includes interaction with leading regional employers, businesses, and organizations that provide a support network of mentors, advisors, and investors.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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TIME
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EVENT/ACTIVITY
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LOCATION
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12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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BOSS Business Plan teams check in
All teams must check in prior to 1:00 p.m.
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Murdoch Room |
12:30 p.m.
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BOSS Judges’ (Phase I/II) Meeting
Review competition and receive instructions for the day.
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Marketplace Headquarters Conference Room (Upper Level of Exhibit Hall) |
1:00 p.m.
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Welcome and Orientation
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Murdoch Room
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1:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
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PHASE II: Semi-Final Round
Each business plan team is allowed 15 minutes (plus 5 minutes for judge Q & A) to present their business plan. The room will be open to the public, and spectators are welcome and encouraged. Competing teams are invited to observe the oral presentations only AFTER they have presented their business plan.
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Murdoch Room, Aspen Room, Birch Room & Cottonwood Room |
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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Phase I/II Judges convene to finalize/compile scores
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Marketplace Headquarters Conference Room (Upper Level of Exhibit Hall)
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4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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General Session, Wrap Up and Announcements
SESSION FOR PARTICIPANTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS TO WRAP UP FOR THE DAY
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Murdoch Room
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5:45 p.m.
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Marketplace for Entrepreneurs Reception
Announcement of Phase III: “Elevator” Round Finalists
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Main Arena Theatre |
7:00 p.m.
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Marketplace Talent Search Finals
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Main Arena Theate |
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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TIME
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EVENT/ACTIVITY
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LOCATION
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6:45 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
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Continental Breakfast for Business Plan Teams, Advisors and Judges
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Murdoch Room
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7:00 a.m.
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Phase III: “Elevator” Round (Finals) Judges Meeting
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Marketplace Headquarters Conference Room (Upper Level of Exhibit Hall)
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7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
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PHASE III: “Elevator” Round (Finals)
One team member is allowed 3 MINUTES to present his/her business plan. Index cards or other notes will not be permitted for the Elevator Round. There will be no questions from the judges. The room will be open to the public, and spectators are welcome and encouraged. The competing team member is invited to observe the Elevator Round only AFTER he/she has presented his/her business plan.
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Murdoch Room
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9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
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Business Plan Feedback Sessions
An opportunity for participants and advisors to visit with the judges about their business plan.
A maximum of ten minutes will be allowed for each Business Plan Team.
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Murdoch Room
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10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Phase III judges convene to finalize/compile scores and determine placement
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Marketplace Headquarters Conference Room (Upper Level of Exhibit Hall) |
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Attend the activities of your choice:
Career Marketplace and Marketplace for Entrepreneurs
Career Marketplace is a unique opportunity to attend classes relating to entrepreneurship, self-employment options, career outlook, career exploration and planning and job interview skills. In addition to the twenty-one Career Marketplace classes that will be offered, participants may choose from 57 Marketplace classes. Attend the classes you have an interest in. In between attending classes, participants are encouraged to visit the exhibit floor, and network with other attendees.
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12:00 p.m.
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Attend Marketplace for Entrepreneurs Official Noon Program
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Main Arena Theatre
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1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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Attend the activities of your choice:
Career Marketplace and Marketplace for Entrepreneurs |
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| 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Experiences of Entrepreneurs: A CEO/Student Exchange
This exchange will provide a roundtable forum for students and business leaders to visit with CEO’s, executives, and entrepreneurs who have been invited to talk about themselves, their goals, values, and dreams. Executives will discuss their career paths and how they took advantage of opportunities along the way. There will also be a featured speaker and plenty of time for Q & A.
BOSS Business Plan Competition Award Winners will be announced. All finalists are required to be present.
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Main Arena Theatre
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