USF Business Plan Competition

Overview

USF Business Plan Championship

Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Spirit!

The road to the USF Business Plan Championship begins now. We are currently accepting business plans for our upcoming Fall competition, but the journey starts long before the final pitch.

This is more than just a competition—it’s a comprehensive accelerator for your success. We are looking for the best and brightest ideas to join our exclusive Summer Mentorship phase.

Selected applicants will spend the summer working side-by-side with seasoned entrepreneurs. You will gain the tools and insights to refine your business ideas and develop a comprehensive business plan—a critical roadmap for launching and scaling a company.

With the guidance of your mentor, you’ll learn how to identify market opportunities, craft a winning strategy, and position your idea for the ultimate showdown at the Championship in the Fall.

By participating, you’re not just competing for prizes—you’re investing in the skills and knowledge that will empower you to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

How it Works

• Submit Your Plan: We are currently accepting business plans/applications until April 3, 2026.
• Summer Mentorship: Selected applicants will be paired with mentors throughout the summer to refine their strategies and prepare for the main event.
• The Fall Championship: The finalists will compete in the official Championship event this Fall 2026.

Why Apply

• Mentorship: Work side-by-side with seasoned, successful entrepreneurs who will mentor and guide you throughout the summer months.
• Real-World Experience: Dive into the details of your specific business strategy with personalized feedback to prepare you for launch.
• Network for Success: Build connections with industry leaders, investors, and like-minded peers.

Championship Highlights (Fall Event)

• Pitch Presentations: Present your polished findings and ideas to a panel of judges for feedback and recognition.
• Incredible Prizes:
  
  • Cash rewards to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
  • An exclusive breakfast or lunch with one of our distinguished entrepreneurs—a priceless opportunity to gain insights and inspiration.

Who can Participate

This opportunity is open to all USF students with a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you're in the early stages of development or ready to take your business to new heights, this is the perfect platform to showcase your potential.

Are you ready to turn your vision into action? Submit your business plan today to be considered for the Summer Mentorship phase.

Application deadline

All students must submit their business plans by April 3, 2026. 

You can apply by clicking below. 

Register Now!

If you have any questions, please email Frank Nunez at fnunez2@usf.edu

Resources: 

• The Eleven Slides You'll Need To Have In Your Pitch Deck.
• How To Write A Business Plan Step By Step. 
• How To Effectively Pitch A Business Idea. 
• Sample Pitch Presentation. 

2025 WINNERS

Round 1:

1st place: Fit Balls – Mukharramoy Makhmudova
2nd place: Syp Hydration – Rima El Brouzi
3rd place: S&B Alpine Tours – Sarah Kosarzycki & Joaquin

Round 2:

1st Place: Rima El Brouzi & Mathis Fürst Haugen
2nd Place: Unique Alston
3rd Place: Alexander Poplawski
Runners Up: Julia Reding, Joaquin Guerra Franco, and Sarah Kosarzycki

2023 Hamner Winners

• 1st Place: Nathaniel Willis: Righteous Hemp
• 2nd Place: Cedar Molano: RX Mind
• 3rd Place: Julia Fusia: Glow Guard

2019 PARTICIPANTS

• Dream Scape- Taylor Morris, Xilong Jing, Biwei Jin, Brad Williams
• DS Academy- Alysson Silveira, Julian Heredia
• The Space- Julia Wingle, Robert Dennard III
• Touriffic- Robert Huggett, Qilin Li, Jesualdo Perez, Javier Ramirez
• No Flood Florida- Ahmed Hamed, Taylor Lankford, Chris Needham
• Vortex- Sonya Khan,Allison Timo, Thornthun Noppakaorattanamanee, Chang Yang
• EdukMais- Eduardo Mourra, Luiza Marques