The 2002 Enterprise Creation Competition will determine the best new proposal that has the potential to be launched as an actual business venture.

The teams were selected from a group of 30 schools submitting preliminary business plans in January to a judging committee provided by Ernst and Young, a national business services firm.

Finalists include Bucknell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Southwest Texas State University, University of Arizona, University of Manitoba, University of Michigan, University of Oregon, University of Portland and University of Toronto.

Proposals will be evaluated on the written plan and an oral presentation. New ventures may include start-up companies, buyouts, expansions of existing firms and site-specific franchises.

The team with the best plan will receive $7,500 with $3,500 going to second place and $1,000 to third place. Other cash prizes will be awarded to the most innovative/creative plan and best entrepreneurial effort.

The University of Manitoba won the contest in 2001 with Michigan in second and DePaul University third.

The host for the program is Midwest Entrepreneurial Education Center, the research, training and professional development division of Ball State's Entrepreneurial Program.

For more information, contact Maggie Ailes at mailes@bsu.eduor (765) 285-9002.