Deadline: November 9, 2025
The Ivey Business Plan Competition 2026 is officially open for applications, offering an exciting opportunity for student entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas. With a total prize pool of C$30,000 and a first prize of C$20,000, the competition provides not just financial rewards but also international recognition for promising ventures.
This annual event, hosted by the Ivey Business School, is one of the longest-running student business plan competitions in North America. It attracts top entrepreneurial talent from around the globe and serves as a launchpad for future leaders.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the Ivey Business Plan Competition 2026 is November 9, 2025.
Prize Pool
- Total Prize Fund: C$30,000
- First Prize: C$20,000
The prize money is intended to help winners advance their venture and bring their ideas closer to market readiness.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Status: Must be full-time students (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD).
- Team Size: Maximum of 6 members.
- Equity Requirement: The presenting team must own at least 50% equity in the venture.
- Technology Licensing: Teams may use technology licensed from universities or research institutes only if it has not been previously commercialised. Proper licensing agreements must be in place.
- Venture Legality: All ventures must be legal and ethical in the competition’s jurisdiction.
- Repeat Entries: Ventures cannot compete in multiple years with the same business.
- Ineligible Ventures: Buy-outs, expansions of existing companies, certain licensing/distribution-only models, franchises, and real estate syndications are not allowed.
Application Requirements
To apply, teams must submit a two-page executive summary by the deadline.
Format
- Submit in PDF format (Word documents are also accepted).
- Follow specified formatting guidelines: font, margins, and spacing.
Content of Executive Summary
The executive summary should include:
- Company overview
- Product or service description
- Market analysis and marketing strategy
- Operations plan
- Management structure
- Financial projections:
- Year 1: monthly
- Years 2–3: quarterly
- Years 4–5: annually
- Viability and growth potential
Other Rules and Recommendations
- Faculty Advisors: Having a faculty advisor is recommended but not mandatory.
- Compliance: Ventures must comply with all legal and ethical standards.
- Disqualification: The host institution reserves the right to disqualify any team that violates the rules or the spirit of the competition.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Build a team with diverse skills: product development, marketing, finance, and strategy.
- Ensure your venture is original and supported by valid licensing agreements if applicable.
- Present realistic financials, clearly stating assumptions.
- Keep the executive summary concise but compelling.
- Prepare to defend your plan confidently during presentations.
How to Apply
For expert support with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us today to give your application a competitive edge.
