Final Four Compete in Sustainable Business Plan Competition April 20

First, 54 contestants entered. Then there were 12. Now, the final four will present their plans to the public at 7 p.m, Monday, April 20. 

No, it's not reality TV. It's reality. 

The Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business at James Madison University will finish its first Sustainable Business Plan Competition on Monday, April 20, 2009. Four venture teams will pitch their business plans for a chance to win cash and prizes of up to $50,000. 

In March, the Center For Entrepreneurship received 54 executive summaries during the first round from competitors representing JMU students, faculty, staff, alumni and entrepreneurs from an eight-county area in the Shenandoah Valley. 

Those submissions were evaluated to identify the top 12 contenders and then the final four based on the viability of the business concept, the strength of the sustainability elements, the long-term growth potential and the ability to launch within one year. 

The business proposals illustrate the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in the JMU community and the Shenandoah Valley. 

The business concepts range from energy-efficient design to social networks to alternative energy solutions. The plans propose innovations and resourceful collaborations that address gaps in the market for more options in areas such as organic food, sustainable design, improved health care, personal fitness and information technology. 

The public is invited to attend the final business presentations from 7-9:30 p.m., Monday, April 20 in Ballroom A in the JMU Festival Conference and Student Center. 

A panel of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and sustainability leaders will judge the proposals and select a grand-prize winner and runner-up. A public reception begins at 6:30 p.m. 

For more information, visit the College of Business Web site at www.jmu.edu/cob.