The Pre-Screen

May I be honest on here?

So far, we’ve received business plans early this year. GREAT JOB TO THOSE WHO SUBMITTED ALREADY!!

This is the first time I’ve seen competition submissions before the training wrapped, so kudos! But let these early birds sing a cautionary tale, for not one would have passed the pre-screen!

Good thing they were in touch with the office early and I could get back to them about what was missing.

In most cases, it’s as simple as the submission date on the info page or not having the business/concept name in the header or footer. I can tell you that a common snag is missing an entire section of the plan. Technically, we’ll still accept your submission if it’s missing a section, however, you will score ‘0’, ultimately points you WILL need in order to become a Finalist.

Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge is a dynamic program, but the underlying structure is that this is a competition and we need to adhere to strict rules to ensure fairness to all participants ...that’s why we’ve gotta be so strict!!

Make it easy for organizers and screeners by titling your section headers to coincide with business plan elements found on page 17 -18 of the Participant’s Handbook.

DON’T FORGET THE IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE!!

Here’s a copy/paste of the checklist we’ll be using to pre-screen:

o Participant Agreement (signed original received by 2:00p.m. April 29)

o Non-Disclosure Agreement (signed original received by 2:00p.m. April 29)

o Plan Submission Checklist (signed original received by 2:00p.m. April 29)

o Info Page: business name, first & last name of team member(s), address, phone, email, list of employees, submission date

o Table of Contents

o Business Plan: Executive Summary, Product/Service, Market Analysis, Marketing and Sales, Management Team, Manufacturing/Operations Plan, Implementation Schedule, Opportunities & Risks, Financials, The Offering

o Formatting: Arial font, 11pt, letter-sized paper, 1” margin, less than 20 pages, contact info

You can set up a time to come in to your Community Futures office and chat with us about your business plan or competition submission any time!