Firms Sign on as JMU Sustainable Business Plan Competition Sponsors
News
The pot has just gotten a little sweeter for James Madison University's Sustainable Business Plan competition.
Aerospace and technology giant Lockheed Martin and top law firm Kelley Drye have signed on as major sponsors of the competition, which in April will award up to $100,000 in cash and in-kind services to a new venture whose business model includes a strong sustainability component.
Lockheed Martin has pledged $25,000 to support the contest, and Kelley Drye will provide free legal corporate representation for the winning plan.
"The additional support from these two prestigious firms helps position the winning plan for incredible success in the future," said Dennis Tracz, Director of the JMU Center for Entrepreneurship, housed in JMU's College of Business. "This is an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurs from the greater JMU community looking to make a difference in both business and sustainability."
The deadline to register an entry, including a brief business concept, team members and executive summary, is March 2. Semifinalists will be announced March 9. Finalists will be announced April 10. Final presentations will be made at the competition April 20.
About the competition
Announced in October 2008, the JMU Sustainable Business Plan Competition offers up to $100,000 in capital and in-kind services to a new, independent business venture in seed, start-up or early-growth stages whose business plan demonstrates a strong sustainability component. A judging panel comprised of business leaders from several different sectors of the economy will select a winner and runner-up based on the viability of the venture and the strength of the sustainability component.
Each venture team must include at least one person associated with JMU as an enrolled student, an alumnus/alumna or a current employee. A JMU team member must play a major role and must own or be eligible to own equity in the venture.
