Judges
The Mid-Hudson Regional BusinessPlan Competition prides itself on innovation and technical merit. Both of these values are hallmarks of the main organizing universities, and we strive to integrate them into every aspect of the competition. To do so, we have established a transparent judging process with no conflicts of interest between our judges and the teams that they are evaluating. All of our judging panels are composed of a mix of private and public investors – all of whom have years of experience investing in their respective industries. Moreover, we ensure to have technical subject matter experts – each of them with expertise in one of the categories – to evaluate the technical feasibility and scalability of the plans in their category.
If you are interested in participating as a judge for the 2013 New York Business Plan Competition, or know an investor who would be a good fit to judge the competition, please contact Susan Scanlon at susan.scanlon@marist.edu.
Judging Panel:
- Walter Recher, CEO of SmallBall Marketing
- Andi Gray. CEO of Strategy Leaders
- Peter Gregory, President and CEO of The Westant Group
- Scott Locke. Esq., Chair of Intellectual Property Department, Dorf & Nelson LLP IP Attorney
- Kirk Ritchey, CEO of Open Source Business Consulting
- Larry Holfelder, CEO of Connect My Advisors
- Irwin Glenn, Managing Director, Profit Velocity
- Charles North, President & CEO Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Gil Tatarsky, CEO of Distinct Creations (Licensing Agent for Inventors)
Judges Rule Book
The New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) prides itself on innovation and technical merit. Both of these values are hallmarks of the organizing universities, and we strive to integrate them into every aspect of the competition. To do so, we have established a transparent judging process with no conflicts of interest between our judges and the teams that they are evaluating. In addition, all judges except for sponsor representatives must meet the following criteria:
- Active or early stage private (angel, venture capital, private equity, etc.) and/or public (state and federal agencies) investors
- Prior experience investing in or desire to invest in New York startups
- Willing to work with early stage, student-led ventures
Judges at the business plan competition rate participating teams based on the following criteria:
- Compelling Idea/Venture
- Founders & Team
- Pitch Quality
Judging rubric categories:
WHY YOU? Does the individual or team have the ability, skills, and passion to implement this business, non-profit, or produce the product or service? If this requires technology or production of a prototype, does someone on the team have the skill to do it?
WHO CARES? Is there a market locally, nationally, or internationally for this product or service? If this is a social/nonprofit venture, is there a significant need begin met? Have the students spoken with prospective customers?
SO WHAT? Does this team already have a venture in place and already operating? If this is a product or service do they have a prototype or have they already started offering the service?
PRESENTATION and Q&A clear, concise and effective overview of the venture, product, or service. Ability to succinctly respond to judges' inquiries and give substantive answers.
