Create the Dream Hosted by Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University's Gainey School of Business is proud to announce its inaugural Create the Dream business plan competition and workshop series at the Spring Arbor University's downtown Jackson site. The competition is open to anyone considering starting a business or those in the early stages of beginning a new business. The competition will provide participants with a chance to test their business ideas. They will meet and share information with others seeking to start or grow a new business.

The workshop series will be held on three separate Saturdays, June 7, June 14 and June 28. These workshops are designed to give participants the tools and basic skills necessary to evaluate, prepare and implement a plan for their business ideas. A completed, written plan is the essential tool and a key step for setting goals and action steps as entrepreneurs progress through their business start up and growth.

The first workshop will introduce participants to the world of small business and entrepreneurship, with practical methods of personal evaluation, business principles and discussion with other entrepreneurs on the key elements of starting and building a business. The workshop will also introduce some of the essential steps to turning a “dream” into a reality.

During the June 14 workshop, participants will have an opportunity to review the steps required for developing a business plan. They will leave the session with resources and materials to help get started and complete their own plans.

The final workshop on June 28 will allow participants to polish sections of their business plans. This is the session that will help them dig into the sections that need some additional work or familiarity with skill sets. Participants will review and enhance their major areas plan including product or service, sales and marketing, operations and finance, as well as strategic planning.

Those who participate in the workshops will be able to complete their business plans and submit initial plan evaluations on July 5. Ten finalists will be notified by July 8 in order to present their plans at the July 12 competition, which is open to the public. The presentations will be judged by a group of business and community leaders.

The workshops and the business plan competition were created in an effort to encourage entrepreneurship in the three county regions of Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee. New business ventures are a proven boost to the economy by creating jobs and increasing commerce. The workshops are limited to the first 60 registrants due to space limitations. The business plan competition winner will receive a prize of $4,000 from the Business Plan Competition sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Leland Boren. Additional prizes and awards will be announced at the first workshop.

To register for this program, click here.

Schedule recap
Entrepreneurship-Dream to Reality
June 7 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Spring Arbor University-Jackson Campus

You Can Prepare a Business Plan and Smile
June 14 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Spring Arbor University-Jackson Campus

Your Plan, Fine Tuning for Success or What Skill Needs Do I See?
June 28 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Spring Arbor University-Jackson Campus

July 5 Deadline for business plan submission receipt (submit in electronic form to eknight@arbor.edu or if by mail, Spring Arbor University, Attn: E. Allen Knight, Director; Hosmer Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

July 8 Notification of finalists

July 12 (9:30 a.m.) Business Plan Presentation, Sergeant Auditorium, Jackson District Library, 244 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201