The Competition: Prizes

Prizes for the competition are:

1st prize      $10,000 + $15,000 Seed Capital
2nd prize     $7,500
3rd prize      $5,000

In addition, all finalists may have their business plans considered for equity investment by venture capitalists.  The top team may also receive seed capital, marketing assistance, office space, legal advice, the use of a car, insurance advice, accounting advice, and assistance by program sponsors.

Junction Ventures
We are a venture capital, money management and business development consulting firm with broad, local and international experience. We will partner with the chosen team to ensure they are working from a clear, focused business plan and provide all the support necessary to ensure success. Our support will include:
• Newly renovated executive office space, conference room and parking
• Full product/service definition
• Deep dive market analysis
•Accurate financial, revenue and expense projections
• Management mentoring
• Full access to extensive network of potential customers and partners

Converse Marketing
We are a full-service marketing and advertising agency specializing in brand and message development. We will provide:
• Name consultation and brand strategy development, message and tagline
• Corporate logo design and usage guidelines
• Identity system of materials—letterhead, envelopes, business cards, presentation template
• Ongoing mentoring, educating and consultation

Coyle Insurance Agency
We are an independent insurance agency offering full access to our staff for advice, direction and assistance in the following areas:
• Product liability/general liability—understanding the exposure businesses have in Illinois and elsewhere
• Workers’ compensation—assistance with proper classification of employees to minimize cost, and assistance with development of a Safety Program
• Employee benefits consulting—helping the chosen team attract and retain the best employees by designing a benefits program, including group medical, life and disability, life insurance on key persons (sometimes needed for a bank loan) and retirement plans

Elias, Meginnes, Riffle & Seghetti, P.C., Attorneys at Law
We are a firm offering general counsel to assist with start-up legal
services, which may include any one or more of the following:
•Counsel and advice on business formation and choice of entity (i.e.,
LLC, partnership, S-Corp., C-Corp., etc.)
•Preparation, counsel and filing of formation and organizational
documents (i.e., subscription agreements, articles of incorporation,
bylaws and shareholder agreements; articles of organization, operating
agreements)
•Counsel and advice to assist with the commencement of the business
venture, which may include real estate leasing and acquisition,
financing and loan documents, business relationship contracts, etc.

Clifton Gunderson
Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified
public accounting and consulting firms, provides a wide range of audit,
accounting, tax, technology, and other consulting services to clients in
a variety of industries.   Nationally, Clifton Gunderson has a staff of
more than 2,000 professionals serving clients from 45 offices across the
country and has been recognized as one of the country's best places to
work.

Bradley Technology Commercialization Center

The Bradley Technology Commercialization Center (BTCC) works with
researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs to transform new technologies
and innovations into commercial enterprises.

Our mission is to stimulate the development and commercialization of
advanced technology by transforming the intellectual property in the
region into successful enterprises; minimizing the management and
financial risks faced in the early stages by entrepreneurs in the
technology sector.

We will provide the Springboard winners lab space for 1 year in which to
commercialize their innovation as well as business development services
and resources to assist them with building their business.

The Springboard Business Plan Competition Board reserves the right not to award any prizes. Sponsors are under no legal obligation to participate and may opt out at any time.