Nineteen contestants from 13 universities are getting down to the business of developing their Executive Summaries, the first step on the path to victory in the 2014 Academy of Doctors of Audiology  (ADA) Student Business Plan Competition.

“There is no comparable challenge for students who are seeking the opportunity to gain hands-on business experience, while showcasing their knowledge and creativity than the ADA Student Business Plan Competition,” says ADA president, Brian Urban, AuD. “Based on last year’s competition, I have no doubt that the profession of audiology will continue on an autonomous trajectory.”

The registered 2014 ADA Business Plan Competition participants/teams are:

Brianne Wright, A.T. Still University

Christin (Brooke) Means, Auburn University

Haylee Lamb, Auburn University

Jessica Vilendrer, Gallaudet University

Kaylee Laitinen, Louisiana Tech University

Candace Coleman, Missouri State University

Leo Walter, IV, Northeast Ohio Audiology Consortium

Efoe Nyatepe-Coo and Rachel Otto, Northwestern University

Bill Roach and Damion Campbell, Nova Southeastern

Taylor Remick, Purdue University

Noelle E Radko, Salus University

Natalie Rupert, Salus University

Molly Kennedy, Salus University

Amanda Maioriello, Salus University

Pamela Svitak, University of Kansas

Nicole Kristine Calderon, University of North Texas

Danielle O’Neil, University of South Florida

ADA Business Plan Competition participants may compete as sole owners (1-person team) or as partners (2-person team). The contestants are required to submit a written business plan using Small Business Administration guidelines. Finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to the ADA 2014 Annual Convention at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev, November 8-10, 2014, where they will present their business plans in person to a live audience and a panel of judges. The Grand Prize Winner/Team will receive a $5,000 ADA cash grant to be used to advance business objectives and enhance business and leadership skills.

Luck will not be enough for the students—business plans will be judged based on the following criteria:

  1. Creativity
  2. Feasibility
  3. Completeness
  4. Cohesiveness throughout the document
  5. Professionalism and polish

“The ADA Student Business Plan Competition will provide future audiologists with a learning experience that will foster their entry into autonomous practice in whatever practice setting they choose,” says Dr Urban. “ADA would like to thank EarQ for underwriting this important competition to help ensure that future audiologists are able to develop business skills and confidence before entering practice.”

Source: Academy of Doctors of Audiology