These individuals have entrepreneurial experience and can provide valuable advice to teams as they develop their Business Plans. While each mentor's involvement will vary, the mentor will typically conduct one to two reviews of a team's Business Plan as it is being developed for submission to the competition. The purpose of assigning mentors is to provide additional support to semi-finalist teams as they develop comprehensive plans for launching their proposed business ventures. The mentor should be viewed as an advisor or coach. While it is the Business Plan Competition Committee's hope that these relationships will prove fruitful for both teams and mentors, the Gigot Center does not take any responsibility for the advice or guidance provided by mentors.
Teams are free to accept or reject any feedback or direction given by the mentor.
Also, the preparation and submission of the business plan is the sole responsibility of the team, and no special extensions or considerations will be given due to issues or extenuating circumstances related to mentor involvement. While every reasonable attempt will be made to maintain the confidentiality of Business Overviews and Business Plans, the confidentiality of entries cannot be guaranteed. Neither judges, Gigot Center staff, Business Plan Competition Committee members, the Mendoza College of Business, nor the University can be held liable for inadvertent disclosure of Business Overview or Business Plan information. Please note that it is not feasible for judges to sign NDA's for individual competition entries. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please stop by the Gigot Center or call 219.631.3042 to discuss this matter further.