Anderson Center
Graves Business Plan Competition
The Graves Business Plan Competition offers currently enrolled University of Tennessee, Knoxville students the opportunity to win start-up capital for an original business idea. Prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place in two business categories: growth and lifestyle.
First place: $5,000
Second place: $3,000
Third place: $2,000
The three-round competition takes place each spring and fall semester.
Apply Now for the Graves Business Plan Competition
Application Deadline: October 10 at 11:59 p.m.
The Graves Business Plan Competition, held each fall and spring, gives current UT students the opportunity to pitch their original business ideas in a 10-minute, in-person presentation for a chance at startup funding.
The competition features two categories: growth and lifestyle. The growth category focuses on startups seeking significant investment and large-scale scalability, while the lifestyle category is for local or smaller-scale ventures. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams in each category — $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second and $2,000 for third — with a total prize pool of $20,000 each semester.
Additionally, the University of Tennessee Entrepreneurs Club (UTEC) Prize, presented by the Anderson Center, is awarded twice a year at the Graves Pitch Competition, granting $1,000 to the top pitch delivered by a member of the UTEC.
Eligibility
Currently enrolled, full-time UT students (graduate and undergraduate) are eligible to apply. Additional details include:
- Students may apply individually or as part of a team (all team members must be full-time, currently enrolled UT students)
- Teams may select up to four members to present
- Previous winners may not compete in consecutive semesters with the same business plan; a new plan is required
- Businesses generating more than $25,000 in revenue in a fiscal year are not eligible
Key Dates & Times
- September 2 – Applications open at 8 a.m.
- October 10 – Applications close at 11:59 p.m.
- October 25-November 6 – Meet with a Startup Coach
- November 7 – Pitch Day, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Application
The Graves Business Plan Competition accepts applications each fall and spring semester. To apply, complete and submit the online application form. Final applications must be submitted through the online form to be considered. After a review by the judging panel, selected applicants will be invited to meet with Anderson Center Startup Coaches and prepare a presentation for pitch day.
Our Benefactors
In 2016, anonymous donors endowed the Undergraduate Business Plan Competition in honor of Tom Graves. The following year, it was renamed the Graves Business Plan Competition.