RAIN Startup Plan Competition

RAIN Startup Plan Competition

RAIN Header

About the Competition

The RAIN (Risk Assessment for Initial Needs) Startup Plan Competition, powered by Gilbert, Kim and Family, offers a different approach to traditional business plan competitions.

Instead of focusing only on what investors see, this competition emphasizes creating a comprehensive internal startup plan. Participants develop a plan that includes key elements such as:

  • Identifying potential risks
  • Mapping out allies and partners needed for success
  • Outlining the exact steps required to launch the company
  • Determining the resources and funding needed

The plan is supported by a launch plan checklist and personal assessment, helping students think through the real process of building and launching a business.

Benefits of Participating

Students who participate in the competition can gain valuable experience and support while developing their business ideas.

Cash Prizes

  • 1st Place: $3,500
  • 2nd Place: $2,500
  • 3rd Place: $1,500

Participants will also receive:

  • Direct support from the Nault Center team while preparing their submissions
  • Mentorship and networking opportunities with Tampa Bay entrepreneurs and industry experts
  • Experience building a more detailed and realistic startup plan
  • The opportunity to develop new entrepreneurial skills

Eligibility

The competition is open to all USF undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major.

Students who have completed ENT 6016 (New Venture Formation) may choose to submit the plan they developed during the course. However, completing the course is not required to participate in the competition.

Judges will give preference to:

  • Plans connected to active businesses
  • Plans that demonstrate clear steps toward real-world execution by the student.

Competition Format and Timeline

Optional Workshop

April 8
The Nault Center team will host an optional workshop on the Tampa campus. Students can attend to receive guidance and feedback while preparing their entries.

Date: Wednesday, April 8
Time: 1–3 p.m.
Location: Nault Conference Room (BSN 3331)

Attendees are welcome to come and go as needed and are not required to stay for the full session.

Step 1: Application

Deadline: April 9

by midnight.

Selected participants will be notified April 10.

Step 2: Refine Your RAIN Startup Plan

Participants will have until April 23 to refine and submit their complete RAIN Startup Plan.

Step 3: Judge Review

Judges will review and familiarize themselves with each submitted plan before the final round.

Step 4: Final Pitch Event

Finalists will present their plans at a final pitch event on Wednesday, April 29 in room BSN 221 at the USF Muma College of Business.

Each finalist will deliver:

  • A 60-second pitch
  • A 5-minute Q&A session with judges.

How to Apply

Submit your application using the button below.

Application deadline: Midnight, April 9, 2026.

You can also preview the application questions before starting your submission.

If you have questions or would like help preparing your entry, contact:

Magdelena Harrah
magdelena@usf.edu

Tim Ernest
ernestt@usf.edu