About

Open to all high school juniors & seniors

The goal of the West Virginia High School Business Plan Competition is to work collaboratively to move the state forward by engaging young minds to solve West Virginia's greatest issues. For the students, this competition provides the unique opportunity to make a business idea come to life with the support of state institutions of higher education and seasoned business professionals from around the country. The grand prize is one (1) $1,000 grant for finalist team’s classroom and the opportunity to pitch your idea to investors. Higher Education Institutions will also be present at the finals with scholarship opportunities.

The process extends through the entire academic year, culminating in April. The competition consists of two rounds. Feedback and instruction are given for each round, so it is not necessary to have any business background to enter. It is helpful to have team members with different areas of expertise.

Round 1:

Conceptual outline of a proposed business. Business concept will be submitted in the business plan form via ReviewR using the Lean Canvas Template. Each submission will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of various business professionals. Judges will evaluate each submission based on a 100-point scoring rubric. Ten (10) teams will advance to the final competition. Teams will be notified via e-mail and finalists’ names will be posted on our website and social media accounts.

Coaching and Workshop:

Finalists will be paired with a business coach (volunteer). The coach will mentor and support the student in developing a complete business plan for his/her idea. This person can be a teacher or business leader in the community of that region. Teams will participate in the Finalists Workshop on February 26, 2021 via zoom. Teams will meet and work with marketing, financial, legal and business professionals on their business idea. They will learn valuable information related to starting a business in West Virginia.

One team member is required to attend the BPC Workshop. Missing the workshop will disqualify your team from the final competition.

All team members should create a LinkedIn profile prior to the Workshop.

$1,000 will be awarded to teacher’s classroom once the finalist team has attended the workshop and has presented at the final competition in the form of a grant.

Round 2 - Final Competition:

Practice presentations April 9
5 minute presentation
10 minute Q&A with investors

Final Presentations will be given in front of judges and other finalists. Mentors and/or family are also permitted in the presentation room, but non-team members may not speak during the presentations or Q&A.

Important Dates:

December 4, 2020 - Round 1: Lean Canvas due by noon (online)
December 22, 2020 - Finalists notified
February 26, 2021 - Workshop - online
April 5, 2021 - Final Business Plans due by noon
April 12, 2021 - Round 2: Finals