Kean University to Host Fourth Annual Business Plan Competition

Kean University’s School of Management, Marketing and International Business will host its fourth annual International Business Plan Competition in the Little Theatre on Thursday, April 13 at 9 a.m. Contestants will vie for $10,000 in combined prizes. 

“This event attracts brilliant young minds to entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Dr. Kai Wang, Assistant Professor of Management, Kean University. “It encourages students to come up with new products and services designed to generate profit in a sustainable way.”

Entrants were required to submit a creative business idea, an explanation of their product or service, a description of their target market, and a financial forecast.  The finalists were chosen from the executive summaries submitted and worked with faculty mentors to develop their business plans. Finalists include students from Penn State, Wenzhou Kean University and local high school students competing through NJ DECA.  

The featured business concepts include a company that provides relocation services for international students and a product designed to expedite drive-thru payments. The Kean University International Business Plan Competition provides students with an opportunity to work directly with potential investors and develop valuable skills including product development, marketing, public speaking and networking. 

A panel of distinguished judges will evaluate the business plans and student presentations at the live competition finale. Judges include: Dr. Michael Cooper, Dean, Kean University, College of Business and Public Management; Dr. Qian Wang, Assistant Professor of Finance, Kean University; Mark Cheng, Associate Partner, Linium Consulting; Jian Xie, Senior Financial Reporting Specialist, SUMITOMO MITSUI Banking Corporation and Lonnie Allgood, Founder/CEO, Dreams for Kids.

Kean University President Dr. Dawood Farahi had high praise for what Kean students bring to the international marketplace.  "We have I.C.E. - Innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship," said Farahi. 

Photo Caption: Kean's 2016 International Business Plan Competition winner, Daniel Hartman (center), was awarded a $1,500 cash prize.