LAUNCH is a business plan competition designed to assist SAIT students and alumni in building innovative new companies in the Calgary Region. SAIT alumnus who graduated in 2008/09 and current students who will graduate in 2009/10 from a SAIT certificate, diploma, degree or apprenticeship program are eligible to participate and apply for up to $70,000 in support to launch their careers as budding entrepreneurs!

Throughout the academic year a series of workshops and seminars will be held to help participants put their business plans together and get their big ideas off the ground. Additionally, throughout the competition participants will network with LAUNCH’s group of experienced mentors, acquiring invaluable hands-on help developing their ideas.

The first portion of the contest consists of submitting a brief Concept Paper. The seminars and workshops, along with mentor assistance, will help participants put together their Concept Papers and Business Plans and prepare pitches (as appropriate). 

Concept Papers will be reviewed by a group of screeners. Feedback will be provided and those ventures that both meet LAUNCH eligibility requirements and illustrate the most promising business concepts will be asked to move forward and submit more detailed business plans.

Following the submission of the Business Plans, select participants will be asked to make brief presentations or pitches to a panel of judges. LAUNCH will hold an awards ceremony in June 2010 where the three finalists will make presentations to audiences before the LAUNCH prize packages are awarded.