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Competition Timeline:

March 5, 2008:

Optional workshop covering the criteria used to judge the Business Concept Proposals open to any interested participant. Workshop will be held in 118 Rich Hall, SUNY Oswego at 6 p.m.

May 1, 2008:

Business Concept Proposal, Cover Application and fee must be submitted via email or postmarked by 5 p.m. Proposals must be no longer than 1,000 words. The proposals will be evaluated by a team of judges.

Send Cover Application and Business Concept Proposal to:

Operation Oswego County Foundation, Inc.
44 West Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126

Submissions may be sent by email to awheelock@oswegocounty.org.

Please include the $25 admission fee along with the Cover Application and Business Concept Proposal. Make payable to Operation Oswego County Foundation, Inc.

If Cover Application and Business Concept Proposal are emailed, then admission fee must postmarked by 5 p.m.

June 1, 2008:

A panel of judges will select 10-15 semi-finalists for round two.

June 16, 2008:

Applicants will be notified if they are to enter the next round. Candidates that have been selected for round two must complete a business plan.

June 30, 2008:

Optional workshop open to any interested semi-finalists to provide additional support for the business plan submission. Workshop will be held in 118 Rich Hall, SUNY Oswego at 6 p.m.

Sept. 1, 2008:

Semi-finalists are required to submit the full business plan via e-mail, and 6 copies by direct mail, to Operation Oswego County Foundation, 44 West Bridge Street, Oswego NY 13126. Submissions must be postmarked by 5 p.m.

Oct. 1, 2008:

Judges will give written feedback to all of the semi-finalists. Five finalists will be selected to enter round three.

Nov. 10, 2008:

Finalists must give a 20-minute presentation on their business plan in person to the panel of judges. Following the presentation, a luncheon and awards ceremony announcing the winner will be held.

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Guidelines for Business Concept Proposals:

Send Cover Application and Business Concept Proposal postmarked by 5 p.m., May 1, 2008 to:

Operation Oswego County Foundation, Inc.
44 West Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126

Submissions may be sent by email to awheelock@oswegocounty.org.

Please include the $25 admission fee along with the Cover Application and Business Concept Proposal. Make payable to Operation Oswego County Foundation, Inc.

If Cover Application and Business Concept Proposal are emailed, then admission fee must postmarked by 5 p.m., May 1, 2008.

Please note: The prize money must be used to start the business in Oswego County.

SUCCESSFUL RESPONSES MUST INCLUDE:

Written Presentation: (10 Points):

  • Include Cover Application.

  • 1,000 words or less (please note: Cover Application does not count toward the 1,000-word limitation).

  • Font: Times New Roman; Size: 12 and black ink; Margins: 1 inch on all sides; Spacing: 1½.

  • Grammar and spelling will be evaluated.

Business Concept (20 points):

  • Introduce company product/service clearly and concisely.

  • Describe how the concept is unique and creative (is idea currently offered in the market?).

The Opportunity (25 points): What is the nature of the business opportunity or problem? Why is the opportunity now? What is the potential of the opportunity?

  • Clearly identify the need for the product/service.

  • Identify the size and potential impact of the opportunity on Oswego County.

  • Provide evidence of forces creating the opportunity now.

  • Identify how to implement the concept to take full advantage of the opportunity.

  • Correctly identify the main competition, stating how this concept will improve or replace current product/services in the market.

Product/Service Description (25 points): How would you describe the business to a potential investor if you had only a short elevator ride to share together? How will your product or service be used? What are some unique features? What existing problem(s) will be solved with the service or product offering?

  • Fully explain the purpose and function of product/service.

  • Discuss evidence of innovation and unique features. Fully explain benefits of product/service.

  • Demonstrate critical thinking regarding opportunity/problem with emphasis on how business idea makes sense currently in Oswego County.

Market Concept (20 points):

  • Clearly identify the target market.

  • Identify the current size of target market (provide demographics).

  • Provide innovative and creative ideas for implementing and reaching the identified market.

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