Business Plan Competition Rules

Eligibility & Rules

Eligibility Rules

Proposed & Startup* Entrepreneurs - 3 Steps:

  1. Pre-requisite Financial Workshop,
  2. Pre-requisite Class/Program,
  3. Apply

 

Existing Entrepreneurs - Just 2 Steps:

  1. Pre-requisite Financial Workshop
  2. Apply

 

Proposed - A business that is in the planning stages or has opened but has not yet produced revenue. Founder is planning to start the business within 12 months following the competition.

Startup - A startup is considered any business that is producing revenue but has not yet achieved six continuous months of net profit prior to or during the pandemic. Businesses that have been launched/opened, but are still in the process of proving the business model and management. 

Existing - An existing business can range from a small business to a large enterprise. In either case, the initial business model has been proven and, prior to or during the pandemic, the business has proven it can operate profitably with a positive cash flow for six continuous months. The primary focus of the company is continued repositioning to adjust to the pandemic, adjusting the business model accordingly to get back on track to growing the business profitably.

Proposed & Startup Entrepreneurs Prerequisites:

  • Prerequisites: Financial Workshop and Class/Program.
  • If you already completed both, proceed to your application.
  • If not, you may register for the required workshop and class until Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CST.
  • Application deadline: Submit your completed HCC Business Plan Competition application by Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CST.

Existing Entrepreneurs Prerequisites:

  • Prerequisite: Financial Workshop only (class not required).
  • Workshops are available on January 15, January 22, and January 30, 2025.
  • Application deadline: Submit your completed application by Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CST.

 

The Financial Workshop is required for:

  • Proposed Entrepreneurs
  • Startup Entrepreneurs
  • Existing Business Owners

Already Completed the Workshop?

If you completed an HCC Financial Workshop within the past two years, this requirement is satisfied.

  • 2023 Sessions: January 19, January 21, January 28
  • 2024 Sessions: January 18, January 24, January 30

For Proposed & Startup Companies - Take Required Pre-Requisite Class/Program:

Pre-Requisite Class or Program:Proposed and Startup Team Entry Requirements - The Team Leader of each proposed or startup business applicant team should complete ONE of the following classes at HCC or ONE of the following HCC programs or partner programs:  

Have you completed one of these Prequalifying Classes or Programs?

  1. Small Business Success Series by HCC
  2. HCC Creating a Successful Business Plan Online Continuing Education Class - to use this as a prerequisite, you must have completed the class within the following period: (09/2020 - 05/2023)
  3. Small Business Management - BUSG 2309 (for college credit)
  4. Entrepreneurship & Economic Development - BUSG 1307 (for college credit); completed prior to the competition
  5. Liftoff Houston Startup Competition
  6. Houston Area Urban League Small Business University (HAUL SBU)
  7. University of Houston SURE program. 

If you have already completed one of the above, just sign up for and attend a pre-requisite financial workshop in January and submit a strong application before the competition's final deadline extension.    
If not, Proposed and Startup Entrepreneurs can still take the Small Business Success Series by HCC© coming up in Jan/Feb 2025. 

Register for the Jan/Feb 2025 Small Business Success Series

You may apply for the competition before the series begins, but you must also register for the series and attend all five Saturday sessions.

If your application is selected, acceptance is conditional on completing the entire series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue

The business plan should be for a new business venture or for an existing business that is embarking on a growth plan or a needed new course of action. The business must be located in the Houston area. If for a new business, the plan must address the entire business concept, including implementation. If for an existing business the plan must fully justify the change in direction and/or the planned growth.

The venture may show intentions to license technology from or to another company for manufacturing and/or distribution purposes. Revenue streams from the venture should not be based solely on deriving revenues from the licensing of its own technologies.

Proposals for the buy-out of an existing company, tax-shelter opportunities, franchise, real estate syndications, and other consulting projects and analyses are not eligible.

 

View Competition Rules

Competition Rules for Small Business (PDF)