UT undergraduate students with a business idea or early-stage start-up now can apply to the Graves Business Plan Competition. The annual competition, hosted by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Haslam College of Business, was created in 2007 to help aspiring student entrepreneurs grow businesses.
The competition is open to any undergraduate student currently enrolled at UT Knoxville or the UT Institute of Agriculture. First, second, and third prizes of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 respectively are awarded in two business categories: growth and lifestyle. All student-owned companies, whether legally formed or in the planning stages, are eligible to compete.
“Participating in the Graves Business Plan Competition provides students with the opportunity to turn a concept into a business or develop an early-stage start-up,” said Tom Graves, director of the competition and Anderson Center director of operations. “Students receive meaningful feedback during the competition process that can help them advance their idea.”
To apply, students must complete the application form. Applications are due by midnight Thursday, March 22. Applicants advancing to the first presentation round will pitch to a panel of local business professionals and alumni entrepreneurs Friday, April 6.
Two information sessions will be held for students to learn more about the competition and application. Both sessions will be held Tuesday, March 6, in Haslam Business Building Room 316—one from 8 to 9 a.m. and one from 4 to 5 p.m. Students can attend either session. No registration is required, and attendance is not required in order to apply to the competition.
To date, the competition has awarded $192,000 to 61 student business ideas and start-ups.
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CONTACT:
Carrie McCamey (865-974-5126, cbaker14@utk.edu)
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)