Submitted by Paula from Pembroke Pines

Q: I am going to enter. But are there no prizes?

Answered 02/07/11 10:03:54 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: How perceptive of you, Paula. Our contest, now in its 13th year, has always been only about fun and education -- we don't offer cash prizes. Winners do get exposure in the Miami Herald -- we profile all the winners in a special section of Business Monday and we follow their progress for years to come. Winners also get feedback from the judges (who are listed on MiamiHerald.com/Challenge) and a chance to network with the judges at a winners' luncheon in their honor. Our sponsor, FIU's Pino Global Entrepreneurship Center, also invites and honors the winners to its Hall of fame reception in May. We also try to keep the entry requirements simple so that entrepreneurs who enter other contests (with, ahem, cash prizes) can also enter ours by using some of what they've already written. I hope you will enter -- and good luck! Nancy Dahlberg

Submitted by Steve from Miami

Q: Do you have to already have a business to enter?

Answered 02/07/11 07:52:09 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: No, you don't, ideas are welcome. But if you do already have your business running, it cannot be more than two years old.

Submitted by Your Name from Your Location (City, State)

Q: Is there any benefit to submitting my entry early?

Answered 02/02/11 10:23:34 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: Yes, actually there is a big benefit. If you submit it early and do submit it incorrectly -- too many pages, unable to open, or maybe your forgot to attach (more common than you think) -- I will give you the opportunity to resubmit by the deadline. I can't do that for plans that come in on the last day because of the high volume. Also, if you submit it early and want/need to update it, you can resubmit with your update/change as long as it is before the deadline. We will judge the latest version of your plan. I can also give you a confirmation that your plan was received in whole as well (other than the automatic response), but once again not on the last day. So, yes, there are benefits, and yes, we do want to encourage early filers! Nancy Dahlberg Business Plan Challenge Coordinator

Submitted by Rob Ainbinder

Q: Did Peerbackers.com win the contest? Is their plan or feedback available? Thanks, Rob Ainbinder

Answered 10/30/10 19:01:12 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: Thanks for your inquiry. Peerbackers was one of the top 12 finalists in the 2010 Business Plan Challenge. We don't release business plans, however. Nancy Dahlberg Business Plan Challenge Coordinator

Submitted by Sai from miami

Q: Hi Nancy Can we get feedback from the judges about our business plans submited to the contest

Answered 04/26/10 22:40:44 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: Sure, I'd be happy to. Please send me an email to ndahlberg@MiamiHerald.com asking for the feedback. That will help me remember to send you feedback after the contest is over May 17. And thank you for entering and keep me posted on your success -- best of luck on your venture. Nancy Dahlberg

Submitted by Sai from Miami

Q: Can u please tell the list of entrees which went to the next round out of total business plan you received in the FIU category

Answered 04/14/10 20:10:29 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: Sure. We recieved 30 entries that designated the FIU track, and the judges narrowed the field down to six. The six finalists will be announced on Monday in Business Monday. Nancy Dahlberg

Submitted by Justin from Miami, FL

Q: Will the judges see the name of the person that submitted the plan? Also, if I submit more than one plan, could I potentially be selected as a finalist more than once in the same track?

Answered 03/30/10 13:36:47 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: The judges will see the names. You could potentially be selected as a finalist more than once-- it can happen! Good Luck

Submitted by frances maloy from seattle washington

Q: Hello Nancy, My Associate Dean just forwarded me the announcement about your Business Plan Challenge. It seems from your flyer that it is open to FIU studetns, Alumni, Faculty&Staff. I am assuming this was sent to us just to publicize what you are doing at the Global Entrepreneurship Center. Is that right?

Answered 03/30/10 13:35:34 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: Hello, I am not sure why it would be sent to you (not from me). I guess that could be the case -- unless there are some alumns out in Seattle.

Submitted by Joseph May from Hollywood, FL

Q: HELP!... I tried to submit my business plan, but it got bounced back. I remember the paper having a non-Miami Herald email to send it to if this were to happen, however I forget what that address is. Thank You

Answered 03/29/10 21:36:09 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: Email it to ndahlberg@msn.com. I'll acknowlege that I got it. Sorry for your troubles. Nancy Dahlberg Business Plan Challenge Coordinator

Submitted by Alexandra from Miami Lakes

Q: I am ready to send in my business plan. What format do you prefer I use to submit it? Alex

Answered 03/28/10 22:57:01 by Nancy Dahlberg

A: Hi Alex! I am getting quite a few questions about this. Any word format or pdf will be fine. Don't stress too much about that -- if we cannot open or print your entry for some reason we will be in touch with you. There is also no standard required font -- just go for readability :) Good luck! Nancy Dahlberg