Business Plan Forums

All teams — each of which must include one University of Portland student and can include outsiders — will present business plans during the morning session before a panel of judges.

The list is a harbinger of emerging opportunities.

Nothing sells like "free."

The PDC hopes to run similar programs annually, Harder said, with a different theme every year. Next year’s program, still being developed, aims to support female and minority entrepreneurs.

The John Ruffatto Business Plan Competition is designed to provide a positive educational experience in which students can develop their business ideas and receive feedback and advice from experienced business professionals, to create a forum for students to interact with the community, and to foster economic growth.

"The boot camp is a valuable experience for contestants. They meet other entrepreneurs like themselves, compare notes on common challenges, hear what investors look for in a young company and generally learn why a business plan makes sense for most businesses – even if that plan evolves next month or next year," said Tom Still, president of the Tech Council.

Extended application deadline for entrepreneurs through Jan 31.

Since its inception in 2004, more than 2,300 entries have been received and about $1.5 million in cash and services (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing) have been awarded. Contest categories are Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology and Life Sciences.

The competition features companies making business pitches to panels of judges, most of whom work for venture capital funds, who award cash prizes to the top companies in eight sectors as well as a top student company.

Project Vesto’s tagline: "$100,000 cash. Your business idea. A room of investors. 5 minutes. One chance to prove you have what it takes."