News and Events

City Treasurer's Business Plan Competition

The City Treasurer's Business Plan Competition is open to start-up and existing small businesses throughout the city. To compete for a chance to win one of the cash prizes, current or soon-to-be business owners must complete a two-page executive summary (on the official template) detailing your business and what makes it unique.
Ten finalists will then be selected to submit a full business plan. Three winners will be selected based on their ability to clearly and concisely articulate their business idea, the creativity and practicability of their marketing and sales strategy, and the overall viability of their business. The winners will be announced on July 16 at the Chicago City Treasurer’s Small Business Expo. In addition, the winners present their winning business plans at the Expo.

First Place - $5,000     *     Second Place - $3,500     *     Third Place Winner - $1,500

Competition Rules

• Business can be a start-up venture or an existing business. Existing businesses should not be in business more than 3 years and should have revenues below $2 million.
• All businesses must be located or plan to be located in the City of Chicago.
• The following businesses are not considered eligible for the competition: Tobacco production, Hard liquor production, Casinos or other gamble ventures, Fur production, Currency speculation, Securities investment, Speculative industries, Adult entertainment related industries.
• All entrants must be 21 years or older.

Important 2010 Dates

• Wednesday, March 3, 6 – 8 p.m.: Business Planning Workshop, at Chicago Community Ventures, 105 W Adams St (entrance on Clark St), Suite 2300
• Wednesday, March 10, 6 – 8 p.m.: Business Planning Workshop, at Chatham Business Association, 8441 S. Cottage Drive
• Wednesday, March 17, 6 – 8 p.m.: Business Planning Workshop at Chicago Community Ventures, 105 W Adams St (entrance on Clark St), Suite 2300
• Wednesday, March 24, 6 – 8 p.m.: Business Planning Workshop, at Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, 300 N. Central Park
• Monday, April 5: Executive summaries submissions due (by 5 p.m.)
• Monday, May 10: 10 finalists announced
• Monday, May 31 : Finalists’ business plans due (by 5 p.m.)
• Friday, July 16: Winners announced at Small Business Expo at UIC Forum

To enter, submit your two-page executive summary on the Official Competition Templateto businessplans@cityofchicago.org by April 5, 2010. For more information or with questions call Chicago Community Ventures at 312.960.0320.

For more information about the workshops, please download the Business Plan Workshops Flyer. Please RSVP for the workshops by sending an email to businessplans@cityofchicago.org.