New Venture Competition Overview

The 34th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference is proud to once again announce the New Venture Competition. The top three finalists will be invited to present their plans during the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, December 1, 2007.

Objective

Although most business plan competitions focus on early- and late-stage start-ups, buyouts, and expansions, the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference has decided to focus its competition on early-stage new ventures. The Wharton School excels in Entrepreneurship and early-stage companies, and the school prides itself on nurturing ideas from inception through launch to growth. The primary purpose of the New Venture Competition is to provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to present their ideas for growth companies to an illustrious panel of investors and venture capitalists.

Eligibility

The competition is open to African-American entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs of African descent, and teams containing at least one African-American founder or person of African descent. Entrepreneurs are not required to have any affiliation with The Wharton School and/or the University of Pennsylvania, but all Stage III finalists are required to register for the Conference.

NOTE: Developed businesses, that is, those that are already generating revenue, are NOT eligible for this competition. ONLY new start-up companies are eligible.

Business Plan Final Stage

Stage III of the New Venture Competition will feature presentations by three finalists who have been screened by experienced venture capitalists and consultants. Entrepreneurs who are not selected for the final presentation are encouraged to attend the WMY Conference and use the opportunity to network with their peers and investment professionals in attendance.

Prizes

The top team will receive $10,000, while the 2nd and 3rd place teams will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively