KCA University Innovation Week - Business Plan Competition

Theme: Leveraging on Academia – Industry linkages to foster sustainable innovations
30th October - 3 rd November

Are you a young, innovative entrepreneur with a groundbreaking business idea? Do you dream of transforming your idea or Start-Up into a sustainable enterprise?
Register
BUSINESS PLAN WRITING
Business plan competition Call - PDF Version

About the Business Plan Competition

Are you a young, innovative entrepreneur with a groundbreaking business idea? Do you dream of transforming your idea or Start-Up into a sustainable enterprise? KCA University in partnership with the Co-Production for Youth Entrepreneurship in Kenya (COPYEK) Project is thrilled to invite aspiring youth entrepreneurs like you to participate in the Business Plan Competition. This prestigious competition, driven by a passion for inspiring entrepreneurship and innovation excellence, presents a golden opportunity for you to make your mark on the dynamic business landscape of Kenya.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 34 to participate.
  2. Location: The competition is open to individuals residing in Kenya.
  3. Business Stage: All businesses must have ideas or business models in the start-up phase, with operating businesses being at most two years old.
  4. Both Profit and Non-profit businesses are eligible for the competition.

Competition Highlights

  1. Attend a virtual Orientation Q & A Session to familiarize yourself with the competition.
  2. Participate in mandatory business plan training sessions to enhance your skills.
  3. Submit your business plan.
  4. Present your business idea at the elevator pitch presentation.

Judging Criteria

Your business plan will be evaluated based on the following factors:

  1. Impact Potential
  2. Revenue Generation
  3. Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  4. Innovation and Uniqueness
  5. Feasibility
  6. Market Potential and Viability
  7. Team and Execution
  8. Presentation Quality

How to Apply

Complete the online entry form. Ensure your business plan adheres to the provided guidelines.

Guidelines for submission: –

  1. Individual and Team Entry: The completion entrants may enter only once, either as an individual or as part of a team. If entering as a team, the team must appoint one individual as the team leader and main contact, and one other as the secondary contact.
  2. Applicants should submit a concept note that is a maximum of 3 pages not including the cover page(Font type – Times New Roman, Font-Size 12, Spacing – Single Space), Document type (MsWord or PDF). The Concept note should include: –
    • Executive Summary (around 1 paragraph): Provide a brief overview of your business concept, its value proposition, and the problem it aims to solve.
    • Business Description (around 1 paragraph): Briefly describe the nature of your business, its mission, vision, and objectives.
    • Market Analysis (around 1 paragraph): Summarize the target market, its size, and key trends. Highlight the unique insights you’ve gathered.
    • Value Proposition (around 1 paragraph): Clearly articulate the unique value your business offers and its differentiators.
    • Revenue Model (around 1 paragraph): Provide a concise explanation of how your business will generate revenue
    • Marketing and Sales Strategy (around 1 paragraph): Outline the key marketing and sales approaches you’ll use to reach your target audience.
    • Operational Plan (around 1 paragraph): Briefly mention the core operational aspects of your business.
    • Financial Projections (around 1 paragraph): Include key financial projections and highlights of your financial forecast.
    • Team and Expertise (around 1 paragraph): Introduce the core team members and their relevant expertise.
    • Risk Assessment and Mitigation (around 1 paragraph): Acknowledge potential risks and briefly describe how you plan to address them.
  3. Orientation: All participants must attend a virtual Orientation Q & A Session.
  4. Training Workshops: All eligible individual entrants and either the leader or secondary member of an eligible team are required to attend all business plan training sessions.
  5. Applicants must fill the Entry forms: Click to Submit
  6. Presentation: All presenting competitors must attend the elevator pitch presentation in person.
  7. Judging Criteria: Applicants must read and become familiar with the Judging Criteria and assessment rubric
  8. Disqualification: Violation of any one or multiple rules for eligibility will result in disqualification from the competition

What to expect

  1. Stand a chance to win exciting awards and recognition for innovative solutions.
    • 1st Prize – KES 20,000
    • 2nd Prize – KES 15,000
    • 3rd Prize – KES 10,000
  2. Gain valuable mentorship and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
  3. Receive certificates of participation for all participants.
  4. Network with fellow entrepreneurs, potential investors, and industry leaders.
  5. Get enrolled to a free bootcamp on business development.

Event Schedule

 
  1. Pre-Event Webinars/Workshops: From October 9th, 2023
  2. Pitching Date: November 1st, 2023
  3. Awards Ceremony: November 3rd, 2023
Contact

For any inquiries please email

innovation@kcau.ac.ke

#EmpoweringEntrepreneurs #InnovateForGrowth #InnovationWeek2023

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