Develop ideas, build a team, write a business plan, pitch your idea for real money.
Register for BPC BPC Event Schedule BPC Participant Resources
Welcome to the 2025 WSU Business Plan Competition
Please note the Register for BPC and BPC Event Schedule Buttons above are not updated yet. Dates will be announced soon! Registration will begin Wednesday, January 15, 2025
If you’re a student entrepreneur or aspiring business owner, the Center for Entrepreneurship presents the WSU Business Plan Competition – an unparalleled opportunity to practice entrepreneurship in a real-world setting and receive guidance as you launch a new venture, plus a chance to win thousands of dollars in prize money!
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is happy to announce that the 2024 WSU Business Plan Competition will still be happening, switching to a hybrid format. Participating in a business plan competition can be a rewarding experience and we are excited to continue to showcase student innovation!
Learn by Doing
- Sharpen skills. Working on a business plan team develops innovative thinking, builds leadership, and refines communication skills.
- Network. If you’re a finalist, you and your team will present your idea to investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals at the competition in April. Finalists also have the opportunity to exchange ideas with judges over dinner.
- Prepare for your future. Take what you’ve learned and apply it in an existing company or new venture.
Launch a New Venture
- Move from idea to execution. Develop, test, and pitch a startup idea with your own team.
- Get advice and mentoring. Seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and entrepreneurship faculty mentors devote countless hours to help students navigate the entrepreneurial process.
- Build momentum. Take your experience in the competition and invest in the growth of your venture.
Congratulations, Past Winners!
Be a Sponsor
Questions?
Win Cash Prizes
Collegiate League
Herbert B. Jones Grand Prize – $15,000
Herbert B. Jones Second Place Prize – $10,000
Third Place Prize – $7,000
Fourth Place Prize – $4,000
Fifth Place Prize – $2,000
Open Collegiate League
Foster Garvey Grand Prize – $5,000
High School League
Herbert B. Jones Grand Prize – $5,000
Second Place Prize – $2,000
Third Place Prize – $1,000
Fourth Place Prize – $750
Merit Prizes
- Sage Fruit Ag Innovation Prize – $3,000
- Herbert B. Jones Best Written Plan Prize – $2,500
- Herbert B. Jones Best Presentation Prize – $2,500
- Herbert B. Jones Best Tech Venture Prize – $2,500
- Herbert B. Jones Best Social Impact Venture Prize – $2,500
- Best Trade Show – $500
Thank you, 2024 Sponsors!
Partner
Investor
Dave Divine
Angel
Friend
The Robert & Carolyn Wolfe Family Giving Fund
Dave & Deborah Grant
Mark Wuotila
Bryan Saftler
The Business Plan Competition is critically important for helping people to turn ideas into reality. I am excited to volunteer as a judge to support the competition and the Center, now that I am on the other side.— Jonah Friedl , NOMAD founder and WSU alumnus (Carson College of Business, Entrepreneurship – 2016)