One of the IEC's largest programs, the HSBPC provides a platform for all SU students and alumni to pitch their ideas and launch their businesses. Video created by Nils Gollersrud, Bridge MBA '20.

The Legacy of Harriet Stephenson

The Business Plan Competition was started in 1998 by Dr. Harriet Stephenson, a Seattle University faculty member who began teaching in 1967. It is designed to help students and alumni in launching new business ventures, including for-profit businesses, not-for-profit businesses, corporate entrepreneurship, and social enterprise. Participants enhance their Seattle University learning experience, gain feedback on ideas, develop networks, and expose their ideas to potential investors.

Seattle University,  Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) at the Albers School of Business and Economics hosts the annual Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition (HSBPC) – teams led by Seattle University students and alumni advance through three rounds of judging and feedback to see who will take home the $20,000 Grand Prize.

The HSBPC is a public event and draws hundreds of investors, advisors, business leaders, community members, students, alumni, and faculty as audience members. The IEC has launched entrepreneurial leaders for 30 years, providing students and supporters experiential engagement opportunities and life-long connections.

2024 HSBPC Dates

  • Jan 17, Jan 31, Feb 14, Feb 28, Mar 13: Wednesday Workshops (12-1PM)
  • March 19: Entry Deadline (11:59PM)
  • March 20-24: Screening Round Judging
  • March 26: Announce Semi-Finalists
  • April 14: Pitch Retreat for Semi-Finalists (12-4PM)
  • May 3: Semi-Finals (3-6PM)
  • Mid-May: Finalist Team Coaching
  • May 31: Finals & Awards (5-8PM)

Contact

Peter Rowan

Lawrence K. Johnson Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship

prowan@seattleu.edu

Amelia Marckworth

Director of Community

marckwor@seattleu.edu

Templates and Resources

Round 2: Executive Summary Resources

Round 2: Executive Summary Resources

Wednesday Workshop #1: Ideation and Problem Discovery

Wednesday Workshop #1: Ideation and Problem Discovery

If you are already a student entrepreneur, or aspire to be an entrepreneur, you should participate in the Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition as many times as possible. The competition is a free program that most students take for granted. I've learned so much through the competition, and it leaves me with the desire to learn so much more.

Dylan Bade 2020 Semi-Finalist Team, BarBuddy

Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition Prize Sponsors

 

Grand Prize ($20,000)

The Herbert B. Jones Foundation & The Madeline Haydon Award for Entrepreneurship

2nd Place Prize ($10,000)

John Meisenbach & The Madeline Haydon Award for Entrepreneurship

3rd Place Price ($3,000)

In Memory of Don Leuthold

4th Place Prize ($2,000)

Lindsey McGrew '16

John Castle Award for Grit & Resilience ($2,000)

John Castle Family & Ro Health

Social Innovation Award ($1,000)

Elaine Baylor & Friends of the IEC

Pitch Judge Award ($500)

Kurt Wedgwood

Tradeshow Judge Award ($250)

Friends of the IEC

Semi-Finals Audience Choice Award ($250)

Friends of the IEC