USF Business Plan Competition
Overview
USF Business Plan Championship
Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Spirit!
The road to the USF Business Plan Championship begins now. We are currently accepting business plans for our upcoming Fall competition, but the journey starts long before the final pitch.
This is more than just a competition鈥攊t鈥檚 a comprehensive accelerator for your success. We are looking for the best and brightest ideas to join our exclusive Summer Mentorship phase.
Selected applicants will spend the summer working side-by-side with seasoned entrepreneurs. You will gain the tools and insights to refine your business ideas and develop a comprehensive business plan鈥攁 critical roadmap for launching and scaling a company.
With the guidance of your mentor, you鈥檒l learn how to identify market opportunities, craft a winning strategy, and position your idea for the ultimate showdown at the Championship in the Fall.
By participating, you鈥檙e not just competing for prizes鈥攜ou鈥檙e investing in the skills and knowledge that will empower you to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
How it Works
- Submit Your Plan: We are currently accepting business plans/applications.
- Summer Mentorship: Selected applicants will be paired with mentors throughout the summer to refine their strategies and prepare for the main event.
- The Fall Championship: The finalists will compete in the official Championship event this Fall 2026.
Why Apply
- Mentorship: Work side-by-side with seasoned, successful entrepreneurs who will mentor and guide you throughout the summer months.
- Real-World Experience: Dive into the details of your specific business strategy with personalized feedback to prepare you for launch.
- Network for Success: Build connections with industry leaders, investors, and like-minded peers.
Championship Highlights (Fall Event)
- Pitch Presentations: Present your polished findings and ideas to a panel of judges for feedback and recognition.
- Incredible Prizes:Cash rewards to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
- An exclusive breakfast or lunch with one of our distinguished entrepreneurs鈥攁 priceless opportunity to gain insights and inspiration
Who can Participate
This opportunity is open to all USF students with a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you're in the early stages of development or ready to take your business to new heights, this is the perfect platform to showcase your potential.
Are you ready to turn your vision into action? Submit your business plan today to be considered for the Summer Mentorship phase.
Application deadline
All students must submit their business plans by April 3rd 2026.
You can apply by click below.
If you have any questions, please email Frank Nunez at fnunez2@usf.edu
Resources:
2023 Hamner Winners
- 1st Place: Nathaniel Willis: Righteous Hemp
- 2nd Place: Cedar Molano: RX Mind
- 3rd Place: Julia Fusia: Glow Guard
2019 PARTICIPANTS
- Dream Scape- Taylor Morris, Xilong Jing, Biwei Jin, Brad Williams
- DS Academy- Alysson Silveira, Julian Heredia
- The Space- Julia Wingle, Robert Dennard III
- Touriffic- Robert Huggett, Qilin Li, Jesualdo Perez, Javier Ramirez
- No Flood Florida- Ahmed Hamed, Taylor Lankford, Chris Needham
- Vortex- Sonya Khan,Allison Timo, Thornthun Noppakaorattanamanee, Chang Yang
- EdukMais- Eduardo Mourra, Luiza Marques
2019 Presentations
2019 judges (from left to right) - Dr. Michael Fountain, Jennifer Sineway, Chon Nguyen, Skye Idehen , Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Gilbert Gonzalez, Tim Hangge
No Flood Florida team with USF Center for Entrepreneurship Director Dr. Michael Fountain (left) and Gil Gonzalez (right)
No Flood Florida team receiving the plaque
No Flood Florida team with the giant check