The Thuringian business planning competition for start-ups of technology and knowledge based companies will start 9 March 2007 for the 10th time. The business planning competition - held for the first time in 1998 as a local event in Ilmenau with 14 participants from university locations - has become the annual highlight of the Thuringian technological start-up scene. In the last few years more than 540 potential new companies have competed against each other in this event - including successful young companies like 3di GmbH, asphericon GmbH or supracon AG. Thuringia's economics Minister Jürgen Reinholz is patron of the competition, and THÜRINGEN innovativ GmbH is responsible for the organisation. In close collaboration with the Thüringer Gründernetzwerk [Thuringian start-up network] potential new companies are not only informed and advised but are also given the chance to take part in special events on topics relevant to starting up new companies - topics aimed at developing tailor-made and appropriate corporate concepts.

The signal to start has been given: the motto is "today' ideas form the future". The business plans must be handed in by 24 September 2007. The innovative business concepts will be analysed expertly and strictly confidentially by the jury. Each participant is given comprehensive feedback and valuable comments on weaknesses, as well as tips for the further development and goal-oriented implementation of the concept. Furthermore the winners win cash and non-monetary prices of a total value of up to 30,000 euros. The application forms and conditions for entry can be obtained from the organisers, and can be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.bpw-thueringen.de.

SUMMARY: The Thuringian business planning competition - 2007 is aimed at founders of new companies and young entrepreneurs pursuing an innovative business idea or who have started up a company at the earliest in 2006.

The participants' business plans will be evaluated by experienced jurors. All those taking part will be given written feedback, comprehensive commentaries and suggestions for improvements. Prizes will be awarded to the best business plans. Apart from the chance to be one of the winners the participants will also profit from networking contacts and the possibility to achieve a wide publicity for their project or company. The last date for applications is 24 September 2007