NEW: RI Business Plan Competition Deadline Coming April 1

NEW: RI Business Plan Competition Deadline Coming April 1

The deadline to apply to the 2013 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition is rapidly approaching, and there is an upcoming free workshop for some tips on how best to present a new business plan.

All applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 1.

Organizers of the annual competition advise applicants to develop most, if not all, of their plan first and then work from that to complete the online application. "This will help you develop the information you need for the application. Read more," it says.

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There is no advantage in applying early since the judges will review applications only after all are received. "But there is a strong advantage in working on your plan now."

The process

Approximately 12 applicants will be selected as semi-finalists on April 8 and asked to submit a full business plan by April 16. By working on their plan sooner rather than later, applicants will be better prepared to submit a full plan should they become semi-finalists. 

Free business plan workshop on March 13

RI Business Plan Competition will be offering a free workshop on March 13: How to Present a Business Plan. The workshop will provide an pportunity to hear directly from active investors on:

What a first meeting should accomplish
How to address investors' key interests
How to demonstrate that your idea will make money
How best to use PowerPoints
Other useful tips

Attendance is free and open to all. Pre-registration is required, however. Click here to register. 

The workshop is open to the public, whether or not you plan to apply to the competition, and will be held 5:30 - 7 p.m. at 95 Chestnut St., Third Floor, Providence.