Judging Criteria and Process
Judging Criteria
You must have a cover page complete with name, address, phone number, and contact person. Your opening paragraph should contain a 25-50 word description defining and positioning your business.
The Organization (15% Weight)
- Organization's purpose. Explain what business you are in and why (i.e., how technology or information systems is used strategically in your organization).
- Give a brief summary of your organization's history and current status.
- State your organization's overall strategy and objectives.
- If you are currently in operation, describe your impact in your specific community.
The Products or Services (15% Weight)
- Describe important features and user benefits - relate features of the products and services to market needs and to the competition.
- Describe specific products and projects planned, their status, when due out, expected product life, and potential revenues.
- Articulate any regulatory or environmental issues, if any.
The Market and Marketing Strategy (35% Weight)
- Describe in detail what social impact you will have in the market. Who receives your services and why?
- Descriptions of the market - size, anticipated growth, key changes. What issues, if any, show the need for your service?
- Competition.
- Unique capabilities - what makes you different?
- Market penetration - how are you going to reach the market, (i.e., your market strategy - channels of distribution, promotion, etc. and the cost of the marketing program).
Management (25% Weight)
- Very brief backgrounds of key individuals - why they can do this job, specific value they add to the organization, their past successes and achievements.
- History of working together as a team.
- Identification of immediate personnel needs and anticipated initial organizational structure.
Financial Summary (10% Weight)
- Funding plan - how much you want to raise, both initially and subsequently. How you intend to do this.
- Best estimate on the Social Return on Investment (SROI) created from the investment.
- Describe funding needs at each stage of development.
- Simple projection of income and expenses over a 3-5 year period are required. State and briefly justify your financial assumptions.
- If you are an existing organization, include a past financial history.
For all other questions contact us via email at ebusiness@byu.edu.