Over the past week I’ve been evaluating business plans for the annual George Washington University Business Plan Competition.  I’m a judge for the semi-final round of the new GWupstart Social Entrepreneurship Prize Track, which encourages student social entrepreneurs to “create effective solutions to the most pressing global and local social and environmental problems.”  There are two categories, Best Non-Profit Social Venture and Best For-Profit Social Venture, and the winner of each which will win a $7,500 prize.  I’m evaluating the for-profits, which have to address their social and economic impact along with their bottom line.  Tomorrow I’ll be meeting at GW with my fellow judges to decide which 10 businesses go on to the final round.

The judges represent an eclectic range of backgrounds, including consulting firms, law firms, marketing firms and tech companies.

Among other criteria, we’re looking at Area of Need, Unique Value Proposition and Strategy, Marketing Plan, Operations Plan, Financial and Social Impact Projections, and Viability of the Venture.

Are you a GW student who wants to compete next year?

• Find partners
• Sign up your team and submit your idea

I’ll write a post about the winners when they’re announced on April 11.