Frederick Community College will host its fourth annual Business Plan Contest next month, when three student finalists will compete for scholarships provided by M&T Bank.

All currently enrolled FCC students are invited to develop a complete business plan that will be evaluated by a panel of local business leaders. From those applicants, three finalists will be chosen to present their business plans to a judges’ panel of business experts, similar to the popular ABC show, “Shark Tank.” 

The business experts will name the first, second, and third place winners, who will receive scholarships that can be used at FCC or to further their education at another college or university. 

First place - $2,500 scholarship
Second place - $1,500 scholarship
Third place - $1,000 scholarship
 
“We are grateful to M&T Bank for sponsoring this event for four straight years,” Business Professor Larry Devan said. “This contest gives our students a unique opportunity to enhance their skills in both writing and presenting business plans. Not only do they have a chance to earn scholarship prizes, but they will also benefit from the professional feedback they receive from local business leaders.”
 
Students interested in entering the contest are strongly encouraged to attend a preliminary workshop to review contest rules and other information. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 15, at 4:30 p.m. in room B125 located in Braddock Hall.
 
Students who wish to enter the contest must complete an online application which is due by March 24, 2016. Final business plans are due by April 10, 2016. 
 
The contest will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 in the FCC Conference Cener (Room E126).
Individuals and teams of up to four students can enter. Teams will split any prizes equally.
 
The event is free and open to the public. 
 
For complete contest rules, online application, submission forms, a business plan outline, and templates, click here. For more information about the contest, please contact Professor Larry Devan.