Maybe you have an idea for a new business but not the money to get the idea off the ground. There is a solution. The Be Your Own Boss Bowl, sponsored by the Fox School of Business’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute, wants to help worthy new business ideas from throughout the university get the funding they need.

Formerly titled the Temple University Business Plan Competition, the Be Your Own Boss Bowl is open to students, alumni, faculty and staff of Temple University. Those outside the university can participate if the company’s proposed CEO or team leader if Temple affiliated. There are two levels of competition, one for undergraduate students and another for graduate students, alumni, faculty and staff.

“Participants don’t have to be business students to do well in the competition,” said Jaine Lucas, director of the IEI. “Everyone can be their own boss and control their own future.”

 Past winners have come from the College of Engineering, Beasley School of Law, the College of Science and Technology and many other disciplines, as well as from the Fox School.

If you are a non-business student or new to the business world, the IEI can pair you with a business honors student who will help you develop the marketing, operations or financial portion of your plan. Workshops are also ongoing. If you need help, email Jaine Lucas or stop the the IEI in 201 Speakman Hall.

Winners will receive monetary awards, including the grand prize of $10,000 plus $15,000 worth of business products and services.

Business plans are due March 7 at 5 p.m. For help or to submit a business plan or to register to attend, go to http://sbm.temple.edu/iei/competitions.html.

You can also check out the Facebook Group (search for “Be Your Own Boss Bowl”). The presentation of ideas and the awards dinner will take place on April 2.

— Written by Ann E. Acri

For the Fox School of Business