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Bernstein Plan Competition

Turn Your Entrepreneurial Dreams into a Reality

The Bernstein Plan Competition is a college level business plan competition for Salisbury University Students that want to launch a business. Students will complete an online application and submit a full business plan, financials and a PowerPoint Presentation for a chance to win up to $15,000. Submissions will be judges by a panel of business and community leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality!

Download Competition Flyer (PDF)

The Bernstein Competition was established by Richard Bernstein, a local entrepreneur, to recognize students who put together well researched and potentially successful business proposals. It is designed to encourage young entrepreneurs to move forward with their visions and to provide the resources to assist them. Several award winners have gone on to operate successful businesses after receiving this award.

Eligibility Requirements

  • SU, UMES or Wor-Wic students (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Apply individually or as a team (3 max)
  • Winners are eligible to compete again, but must pitch a different idea.  Non-winners are welcome to complete again, but are encouraged to improve their business idea or presentation.

Awards & Prizes

  • 1st Place: $15,000 cash  
  • 2nd Place: $5,000 cash & $5,000 services
  • 3rd Place: $5,000 cash

Winning team submissions will receive 50% of the money upfront (after processing), and the remaining 50% will be paid upon submitting receipts documenting expenditures related to your business.  

Deadlines

  • Application opens: Monday, February 3, 2025 at 12:01 AM
  • Application closes: Monday, April 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM
  • Competition day: Thursday, May 8, 2025 (reserve 8 AM – 12 PM)

Submission Requirements

  • Online Application
  • PowerPoint Presentation

Competition Files:

  • Competition Guidelines (PDF)
  • Rubric (coming soon)
  • Business Plan Template (coming soon)
  • Workshop Schedule (coming soon)
  • Sample Slide Deck (coming soon)
  • Pitch Tips (coming soon)