Florida Collegiate Business Plan Competition

Congratulations to student entrepreneurs Ryan Tseng (left) and Alex Nogueras (right) who won Florida's inaugural statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition.

I've judged plenty of schoolwide business plan contests, but this statewide effort was the best I've been a part of. The two-day competition at the Gaylord Palms Resort (cool place) in Orlando featured 12 teams from nine Florida colleges and universities. The teams delivered written business plans and gave live presentations to a panel of judges interested in start-up business investments. Nearly 100 business, government and academic leaders attended the competition.

The track I judged included everything from alternate energy businesses, to a jet taxi service, to a new in-line game for amusement parks. The winner was Alex Nogueras, graduate of Florida International University, and his G-Force line of ergonomic garden tools. The other track was taken by University of Florida graduate Ryan Tseng and his PowerPad patent-pending wireless power transmision system.

Wireless power is an area I've been researching independently so I'll be following up with Ryan. I'm also trying to recruit one of the entrepreneurs to join a company I've funded.

I'm hoping this is just the first of many years for the competition. If you're a student entpreneur, consider entering next year. If you're an investor that reviews student-founded businesses, consider volunteering. The competition is well run and great for entrepreneurship across the state.