FAQ
Q: What is the D.A.R.E Competition?
A: A competition where the best Stony Brook students’ business ideas or start-up businesses compete for a cash prize to be used to invest into their business.
Q: Who can participate in the D.A.R.E Competition?
A: Any undergraduate and graduate student who is currently attending Stony Brook University.
Q: Are international student elligable?
A: Yes, international students can enter a business into the D.A.R.E. competition, but that business must be based within the United States. Prizes cannot be sent out of the country.
Q: How do I sign up for the D.A.R.E. Competition?
A: Please send an email answering the required Stage I questions about your business idea to the D.A.R.E. Coordinator, Kathleen Derryberry, at SBDC @stonybrook.edu.
Q: Is there a prize for the D.A.R.E. Competition?
A: Yes, there is cash prize that must be used to move the business you are presenting forward, and not to pay previous debts nor for personal use. Cash amount will be determined by the judges at the 3rd and final presentation day. The largest cash prize awarded to date was $ 35,000.
Q: What types of business ideas are acceptable for the D.A.R.E. Competition?
A: If your answers for the questions for Stage I are detailed and specific, and you are suggesting a legitimate, innovative business idea, your entry will be accepted. While technology-oriented businesses are preferred, any type of business is acceptable, as long as it is a “real” business and not a mythical, whimsical business idea—which will not result in winning a cash prize.
Q: Who can I turn to for help/assistance during the competition?
A: As many past winners have, you may seek help from the Certified Business Advisors of the Small Business Development Center located in Building 17 at the Research & Development Park here at Stony Brook University. In addition, competitors are free to seek counseling from whomever they choose, including Stony Brook University professors or persons outside the University.
Q: Can I sign up for Stage III of the D.A.R.E. Competition even though Stage I and Stage II have already passed?
A: Yes, as long as you enter before the scheduled deadline for Stage III—the final stage—where the winner will be chosen. If you fail to reserve a time slot one week before the start of Stage III, you will be dropped from the competition and will receive an email stating so. Competitors who do not enter Stage I or Stage II will not be eligible for SBDC counseling, and will not receive the preliminary feedback from the judges.
Q: What is the purpose of the Stage II feedback panel presentations?
A: To provide you with constructive feedback, including tips, suggestions on improving competitors’ Stage III presentations and business plans.
Q: Is there anything that I have to bring or prepare for the Stage III final presentation?
A: You must email us a copy of your PowerPoint presentation 24 hours before you make your Stage II presentation, so that all PowerPoint presentations can be uploaded to the computer beforehand. Please bring five copies of your PowerPoint presentation and your business plan to your scheduled STAGE III presentation. Hint: It is wise to dress in business attire as you want to appear professional and make the best impression on the judges.
Q: Who are the judges for the D.A.R.E. Competition?
A: The panel of judges is comprised of business professionals from local communities, angel investors, and possibly, SBDC Advisors and/or other Stony Brook University professionals.
Q: If I have further questions about the D.A.R.E. Competition, who can I contact?
A: Pleases send an email to Annmarie.Scheidt@stonybrook.edu.
Upcoming Events
Please click on the workshop you are interested in for more information. For a full Google Calendar of Events, please visit www.stonybrook.edu/sbdc/events.
Dream of Starting Your Own Business?
May 8, 2013
7:00pm-9:00pm
May 9, 2013
8:30am-11:30am
Exporting: Doing Business Internationally
May 15, 2013
8:30am-11:30am
How To Write A Business Plan
May 22, 2013
7:00pm-9:00pm
Business On-the-Go
May 23, 2013
8:30am-11:30am
Marketing Basics for Small Business
May 29, 2013
7:00pm-9:00pm
Technology Grants for Small Business
May 29, 2013
8:30am - 4:00pm
Healthcare Changes and the Impact on Small Business
June 19, 2013
5:30pm - 8:00pm
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