Big Bang! is the annual UC Davis Business Plan Competition organized by MBA students of the Graduate School of Management. The goal of the contest is to promote entrepreneurship at UC Davis and the region supported by the University.

Big Bang! provides a year round forum in which UC Davis students, alumni, staff and faculty can collaborate to develop and test their business vision and plans. The competition provides a network of resources for mentorship, team creation, education, networking and financing for these aspiring entrepreneurs.

Many groups and constituencies benefit from the competition, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, venture capitalists, business professionals and local entrepreneurs.

The competition is generously sponsored by local corporations and the venture capital community.

NEW! AARP PRIZE

We are pleased to announce the AARP (i.e. American Association of Retired Persons) Foundation prize for this year's Big Bang! competition. AARP is launching the AARP Foundation Prize, and will award $5,000 to the business planning team whose business plan, submitted to the 2013 UC Davis Big Bang! business plan competition, best addresses, with respect to low-income (earning less than $48,000 per household per annum) Americans aged over 50, one or more of the following needs:

(1) the need for healthier food at more affordable prices,
(2) the need for a home that better allows the occupant to affordably age-in-place,
(3) the need for increased income,
(4) the need to reduce the negative impact of isolation on physical, mental and emotional well-being.

When you submit your Business Summary for the Big Bang!, select "AARP Award" on the competition form, if you want your plan to be considered for this award.

Stay up-to-date by following the AARP Foundation Prize on www.aarpfoundationprize.org and Twitter @AARPFoundPrize.

Watch the Big Bang! Promo Video >>