ROUND 1: SLIDE DECK AND BUSINESS SUMMARY GUIDE

GUIDELINES & INSTRUCTIONS

Upload your Slide Deck and Business Summary as PDF files via the online submission form.

BUSINESS SUMMARY FORMATTING GUIDELINES

1. COVER SHEET:
   1. Business Name
   2. Names of all team members (include program of study for students)
2. SUMMARY:
   1. 1 page (8.5”x11”) double-spaced
   2. Font size no smaller than 12pt
   3. Margins of at least 1 inch on all sides
   4. Your summary should be written in narrative form. Start with a compelling description of your product or service. What was the inspiration for the business or how did you come up with the idea? Why will your team be successful in tackling this? What else should the judges know? Remember that the judges are learning about your business idea for the first time.
3. APPENDICES:
   1. You may attach up to 4 pages of appendices.
4. REFERENCES:
   1. You may attach up to 1 page of references.

SLIDE DECK FORMATTING GUIDELINES

1. SLIDE 1:
   1. Business Name
   2. Define the business in a single sentence
   3. Names of all team members
2. SLIDES 2 TO 10:
   1. Address the submission prompts below
   2. It may be helpful to also review the judging criteria

SUBMISSION PROMPTS

1. MARKET OPPORTUNITY & VALUE PROPOSITION
   Describe the target customer and what they look like. Describe the problem or job the customer is trying to get done and why it matters. Describe the business’s value proposition and how the product or service solves the customer’s pain or creates a gain. Describe why the solution is better than alternatives and whether customers are willing to pay. Describe the size and growth of the market and how the business can become a significant player.
2. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & CUSTOMER VALIDATION
   Describe the research the business has conducted with customers or industry experts and what was learned. Describe the current stage of the product or service, including any prototype, beta, or MVP. Describe any existing users or customers. Describe the insights gained from testing and how the business has refined its product or plans.
3. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
   Describe the main competitors or alternatives and how the business is positioned relative to them. Describe what sets the product or service apart and makes it difficult to copy. Describe any technology, intellectual property, or distribution advantages the business has, or the plan to develop them.
4. FEASIBILITY
   Describe why the product or service is viable. Describe the business model and how the product or service will reach customers. Describe the team, their roles, and the skills that enable execution. Describe the operational challenges the business anticipates and how it will overcome them.
5. SUSTAINABILITY
   Describe how the business minimizes environmental impact. Describe any sustainable practices integrated into operations or the supply chain. Describe how the business addresses social challenges, community well-being, or equity. Describe how the business balances profitability with positive environmental and social impact.