<em>The UNLV Center for Entrepreneurship's Southern Nevada Business Plan Competition 2010 Seeks Viable and Profitable Business Plans Focused on Jump-Starting The Economy</em>

LAS VEGAS--September 29, 2009--Aspiring entrepreneurs who have innovative business ideas that would help spur economic growth in the region are encouraged to enter The Southern Nevada Business Plan Competition. Sponsored by the UNLV Center For Entrepreneurship and the Las Vegas Business Press, the competition begins this week and is open to residents 18-years old or older who live in Clark, Lincoln or Nye Counties. The first-place winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $50,000 which includes cash and business services to help start his or her business.

"The competition's goal is help revitalize the economy and inspire business people who may have a great idea but who didn't have the resources to execute the plan," said Steven Phelan, director for the UNLV Center for Entrepreneurship at the college of business.

Applicants must first turn in a five-page executive summary by Oct. 23 detailing their business concept and strategies to finance and market their businesses. Each applicant will receive feedback from UNLV business college professors on ways to improve their proposals. Ten semi-finalists, announced Nov. 23, must create a full-length version of their business plan with advice from UNLV business college faculty and students.

Five finalists will be announced Jan. 11, 2010. Each finalist will receive $1,000 in cash and free office space valued at $3,000. The winner will be announced Jan. 22, 2010.

For entry rules, visit: <a href="http://lvbusinesspress.com/2010snbpc">http://lvbusinesspress.com/2010snb.... Individuals with business experience are needed to judge the competition. For more information, to donate prizes or to become a judge, call Steven Phelan at the Center for Entrepreneurship at (702) 895-2789 or e-mail steven.phelan@unlv.edu.