The Diva is always hunting for ways that solo professionals and small businesses can excel. With the holiday weekend, The Diva was searching for a light hearted post that would make you smile or roll your eyes. Here it is kids- The NASCENT 500 is brought to you by Ball University! There is no geographic limitation, students from the United States and Canada may enter.  The only catch is you  must be an undergraduate student and write the plan yourself. The Grand Prize is $10,000.00 in cash! You can check out the guidelines and then register.

Nascent 500: Business Plan Challenge

The Nascent 500 could be referred to as "The Greatest Spectacle in Business Plan Contests." Hosted by Ball State's Entrepreneurship Center, it attracts students from universities across the U.S. and Canada. Located in Indiana, we found it only fitting to honor a true Indiana tradition by conducting this event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Twelve semi-finalist teams are selected, based on submitted business plans and are invited to Indianapolis, Indiana and are awarded $500.

Next, they get 500 words to earn pole position and 500 seconds (about 8 minutes) to pitch their business plan in the back of a limousine as it travels around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Four teams advance to the "Homestretch" round and present their plans for a chance to win more than $18,000 in prizes.

The winning team receives a victory lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a quart of milk, and $10,000.

2009 Timeline
December 5, 2008—Registration forms are due
January 20, 2009—Business plans are due
February 16, 2009—12 semi-finalists are notified
February 27, 2009—Pole position papers and final business plans are due
March 27, 2009—Limosine and Homestretch rounds