LEXINGTON, KY—Audiology students who have an entrepreneurial flair are invited to enter the inaugural Student Business Plan Competition. The competition was organized by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) and its Virtual Student Chapter, with financial support from the EarQ Group.
The contest is open to student members of ADA who will be in their third or fourth year of an AuD program at some time in 2013. Those wishing to participate have until April 30 to signal their intent. To do so or for more information, visit the ADA web site. The deadline for submitting business plans is July 5.
The program is designed to give students an opportunity to put business and entrepreneurship principles into practice. Contestants will be required to submit a written business plan using Small Business Administration guidelines.
Finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to the ADA 2013 Annual Convention at the Hyatt Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs, FL, in November, where they will present their business plans in person to an audience and a panel of judges. Business plans will be judged based on their creativity , feasibility , completeness , cohesiveness, and professionalism and polish.
The winner of the grand prize will receive a $5000 cash grant to be used to advance business objectives and enhance business and leadership skills.
Lori Cameron, chair of the ADA Virtual Student Chapter, said that her group initiated the competition “to provide students with an opportunity to get meaningful, hands-on business experience, while showcasing their knowledge and creativity.” Cameron is a fourth-year AuD student at the University of Buffalo.
ADA President Nancy Green, AuD, said, “The ADA Student Business Plan Competition will provide future audiologists with a learning experience that will foster their entry into autonomous practice in whatever setting they choose.”
