We invite you to celebrate with NAWBO-CJ the 5th Annual Women's Conference and Business Plan Competition, SEED Supporting Emerging Entrepreneurs' Development.

The Annual Business Conference and S.E.E.D. Business Plan Competition was created by NAWBO-CJ to encourage the formation of strong businesses, share the communal knowledge of experienced entrepreneurs, and support women in the realization of their entrepreneurial dream.

We recognize that women are starting businesses at twice the rate of the general population, but according to the Small Business Administration, only two-thirds of new businesses survive more than two years, and just 44 percent survive more than four years. One goal of NAWBO-CJ and the business plan competition event is to improve those numbers.

Last year we called women to Come, See, Listen, Connect and Act. This year you will build on that foundation and that of the past conferences as we will Educate, Support, Influence and Connect

Educate
The conference will include an informative panel of the SEED winners. The winners will share their experiences since SEED.

Support
Through the generous support of our NAWBO-CJ members and supporting organizations, as a winner you will receive prizes to help build your business. As a guest, you will be Connected with multiple organizations the can help to grow your business.

Influence
The conference will influence a positive change in the economy to stimulate sustainable growth for New Jersey. This conference will bring together resources from various sectors who want you to succeed. Among the sectors are government, corporations, small businesses, professional organizations and higher education.

Connect
Connect with exhibitors and other businesses owners attending the conference. This year we will display a "needs and wants wall" where immediate connections will occur.

What is S.E.E.D.?
S.E.E.D. (Supporting Emerging Entrepreneurs' Development) is a business plan competition. The Annual S.E.E.D. Competition was created five years ago by NAWBO-CJ to encourage the formation of strong businesses, share the communal knowledge of experienced entrepreneurs, and support women in the realization of their entrepreneurial dream.

Who is Eligible to Compete?
Any New Jersey based business that is at least 50% woman-owned and less than two [2] years old is eligible to enter

How does the Business Plan competition work?
A call for business plans will occur in January 2012. Contestants will create a business plan; send it to NAWBO-CJ. A panel of judges will select five [5] finalists. Those finalists will be invited to give their three [3] minute presentation at the Annual Conference on April 19, 2012 during dinner to a panel of judges and the audience. At the end of the day one [1] winners will be selected.

Why enter the S.E.E.D. Business Plan competition?
In April 2011 the three winners each received a prize package consisting of products and services worth over $15,000. It also provides credibility and visibility for the finalists and for the winner.

To receive an application to enter the 2012 S.E.E.D. competition:
Send an email requesting an application to SEED@nawbocentraljersey.org