The Competition: Judging Criteria

Judges for the initial and semi-final rounds will consist of Bradley University faculty and staff plus invited judges.  Judges for the final round will consist of judges selected by the Springboard Business Plan Competition Board of Governors.  Specific judges for each round will be determined in early spring 2008.  Decisions of judges are final.

Written plans will be judged on any or all of, but not limited to, the following criteria.  All criteria, including the oral presentation, will contribute to the overall score of the plan.

1. Overall viability of the plan and the proposed business.  Describe the product/service.  Explain the strength of the concept and its value proposition.

2. Assessment of the market.  How well has the market been defined and assessed?  How large is the market?  What market segments will purchase the product/service?  How extensive (basic size) and intensive (frequency of purchase) is the market?

3. Assessment of competitors.  Identify competitors, i.e., how many; include revenue size and market share.  How aggressive are the competitors?  In terms of marketing strategy, what are your competitors’ key advantages?  Compare/contrast your product/service with that of your competitors.

4. Financial assessment.  How much capital will be required to start the business?  How will funds be used?

5. Marketing plans.  How will you reach your target market?  What will be your marketing mix – promotion, product, price, and distribution?

6. Management team and human resources.  Who are the key players?  What roles do they play?  What are their strengths?  Who will you need to hire in the first few months?

7. Financial projections.  Assess the projected income, cash flow, and net worth of the company over the next three to five years.  Do the projections make sense in light of the market analysis and competitive environment?

8. Integration.  The flow of the written plan should segue properly from one topic to the other.  Well constructed, logical arguments derived from cited information sources should act as the basis for assumptions and estimates.

9. Professionalism.  The presentation and business plan should conform to high quality business practices.