Business Plan Forums

TechRanch, a Montana-based resource center for entrepreneurs, is hosting the Big Sky Venture Capital Conference. The conference is open to accredited angel investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs from presenting companies.

Many companies probably haven’t considered monitoring the status of environmental resources through sensor networks because these types of applications aren’t motivated by profit, he suggests. Many of the applications the students demonstrated might have otherwise slipped under the radar, he adds.

Several emerging technology companies have earned much-needed start-up momentum, and attracted the attention of investors, after submitting winning business plans to a competition that has attracted hundreds of ideas.

"Through this contest, we learned that tech entrepreneurship is not only alive and well, but thriving in Georgia," said GRA president C. Michael Cassidy. "The winner, finalists and the fifty-plus other firms that participated in this contest presented very impressive proposals rich with new ideas."

From a base of 200 entries, these contestants are the survivors in a tech-based, statewide contest that will culminate June 8 at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in Milwaukee.

"One of the unique features of the program is that the 16 April contestants will have the opportunity to have an experienced technology entrepreneur as a mentor to help refine their plans prior to final submission," said Elliott. "We have some of the most outstanding technology executives in the state working on this program."

The top 20 entrants will submit their full business plans and head into the final stretch vying for a first prize worth $50,000, several other prizes, and recognition.

Technology Leaders Will Mentor Candidates and Judge Plans

"We have been so impressed by the credentials, plans, and ingenuity exhibited by the finalists that we are arranging follow-up meetings with representatives of our venture capital arm, SAP Ventures, for further evaluation of the plans."

All 2004 and 2005 finalists are still in business and more than half have received financing, according to Tech Council statistics.