Could your creativity win you a $10,000 scholarship to attend college in West Virginia? Absolutely! It all begins with your imagination. West Virginia high school juniors and seniors are eligible. All you have to do is plan, collaborate, and work your entrepreneurial idea. Begin your existing adventure now by learning about West Virginia's 5th annual High School Business Plan Competition. 

Prize

One (1) $10,000 scholarship to participating institution.
  • West Virginia University
  • Alderson Broaddus
  • Bethany College
  • Concord College
  • Fairmont State College
  • Glenville State College
  • Ohio Valley
  • University of Charleston
  • West Liberty
  • WVU Parkersburg
  • Shephard College 

Eligibility

Open to juniors and seniors in high schools and career and technical centers in the state of West Virginia. Teams may consist of one to three members.

Entry

Create a Team (1-3 members) Students may only submit one proposal per year.

The business plan proposal must be:
  • Submitted on the available template
  • Submitted electronically, online via reviewr.com
  • Submitted on the website by the student team leader
  • First submission due by NOON TBD
Business Plans should include the following information:
  • Business Name: Do not put your name or school, this information is recorded when you submit
  • Idea Product: Service? Why is your idea unique? Why will people buy/use it? (2-4 sentences)
  • Marketing Analysis: Who will your customer be? How will you promote your product? (2-4 sentences)
  • Financial Recap: Startup costs, expenses, revenue? (1-3 sentences)
  • SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
Judges from each region will then evaluate each submission based on 100 point rubric. The ten (10) finalists, (top scores from each RESA region, plus next 2 highest scores) will advance to the final competition. Finalists will be announced TBD. Notifications will be made via email. 

Coaching and Workshop

Finalists from each district will be paired with a business coach (volunteer) from December finalist announcement through the end of the competition. The coach will mentor and support the student in developing a complete business plan for his/her idea. This person can be a teacher or business leader in the community of that region. The teams will participate in the Finalists workshop on TBD at West Virginia University. Teams will meet and work with marketing, financial, legal and business professionals. They will learn valuable information, related to starting a business in West Virginia. 

Finals

Teams will turn in their final business plan by noon on TBD
  • Final Business Plan must be 15 pages maximum
  • Double-spaced, 12 pt font
  • Include Cover Page
  • Submissions must be submitted by the team leaders online via Reviewr
  • Must be saved and submitted as a PDF file
Final judges will be able to grade business plans using the data management system before they attend the final competition. Final competition is held at WVU in Morgantown, WV on TBD.
***Student will be responsible for all transportation and lodging associated with participating in the Statewide High School Business Plan Competition.

Schedule for Finals

Saturday, TBD
West Virginia University
  • 12:00 pm: Opening Remarks/Speaker
  • 12:15 pm: Competition begins/10-minute presentations with 5-minute Q&A
  • 1:45 pm: Break
  • 2:00 pm: Award $10,000 scholarship