Entrepreneurship Experience for College Students in Southern Virginia

Collegiate Business Pitch Header - SOVA RISE Color

NOTE: This program hosted hosted 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. It is not currently running.

The RISE Collegiate Business Plan Competition (CBPC) is designed for college-age students to gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship. Teams of students with diverse backgrounds, skills, interests, and majors will work together for six months (October through March) with support from entrepreneurship educators, resources, and mentors.

Students will learn how to collaborate on a team, interview customers, and develop a business model for an innovative product, service, or social venture.

Timeline

Round 1: Register & Submit Video (90-seconds maximum) – due October 22, 2022
Round 2: Business Model Canvas – due November 18, 2022
Round 3: Notification of Progression to Pitch Event – December 15, 2022 (Teams that do not progress will be given an option to schedule an appointment with Jacob Dolence to review feedback.)
Round 4: Feasibility Study Workshop and schedule appointment with outside mentor for feedback – January 23, 2023
Round 5: Feasibility Study Due – February 15, 2023
Round 6: Final Business Plan Due – March 16, 2023
Round 7: Business Pitch Event at Hampden-Sydney College – March 23, 2023

Student Eligibility

Participating students must be enrolled at a higher education institution in Southern Virginia (see list below) – OR – must have a permanent address in Southern Virginia if attending college online or elsewhere.

Higher education institutions in Southern Virginia include:

Averett University
Danville Community College
Longwood University
Hampden-Sydney College
New College Institute
Patrick Henry Community College
Southside Virginia Community College
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
Dual Enrollment Students*

*High school students who participate in dual enrollment college courses are eligible to participate in either the CBPC or the Student Idea Summit.

Questions about eligibility? Contact us a hello@sovarise.com

1. Create a Team

Teams may consist of 1 to 7 members. Building a team with diverse skill sets is recommended. Teams can add or remove team members up until the January Workshop. Teams can include students from multiple schools.

Assign a team leader to ensure all deadlines are met throughout the competition.

Need help finding additional team members? The CBPC Planning Committee can help you connect with students across campus or at other schools. Email us at hello@sovarise.com.

2. Select a Business Idea

Innovative product and service ideas are highly encouraged. All business ideas must have the potential to be viable, legal entities eligible to operate under the laws of Virginia.

Teams may enter multiple business ideas in the first round, but only one (1) such business idea may compete in the semifinals. If two submissions from the same team leader are selected for the semifinals, teams can break up or add additional team members as needed.

3. Register your team by the application deadline – TBD for the 2023-24 competition

Recommended Reading

“Talking to Humans: Success starts with understanding your customers” by Giff Constable

Talking to Humans is a practical guide to the qualitative side of customer development, an indispensable skill for vetting and improving any new startup or innovation. This book will teach you how to structure and run effective customer interviews, find candidates, and turn learnings into action. For a free digital copy download, fill out the Non-Profits/Schools form found here.

2022 Winners:

Project Connect – Averett University ($4,000 in prize money awarded)
The Ville – Longwood University ($2,000 in prize money awarded)
Fail Harder Fitness – Hampden-Sydney College ($2,000 in prize money awarded)
BFX Studios – Patrick & Henry Community College ($1,000 in prize money awarded)
You’re Not Alone/YNA – Danville Community College ($1,000 in prize money awarded)