Rotary District 5300 Disaster Relief

Entrepreneurial literacy is essential for cultivating the next generation of small businesses, job creation, and community growth. Rotarians, with their business expertise and leadership, are uniquely positioned to inspire future entrepreneurs while offering students meaningful scholarship opportunities. This competition aligns with our vocational service mission by giving students a powerful first step on their vocational journey. Additionally, contestants will tie their product or service to its impact on one (or more) of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus (see Rotary's Seven Areas of Focus document).

About the Competition

High school students will compete at Club, Regional, and District level competitions by submitting written business plans and presenting their ideas before a judging panel.

• Team Structure: Entries may be submitted by individuals or teams of up to 4 students from one or more high schools.
• Written Business Plan: All teams must submit a written plan for review at the Club Finalists from this stage will advance to oral presentations.
• Oral Presentation: Selected finalists from the written portion will present their business plan in an up to 10-minute pitch, using PowerPoint, YouTube, or other presentation aids.
• Presentation Format: Oral presentations may be conducted in-person or via video conferencing at the Club/Regional levels, at the discretion of the club. However, to ensure the best experience for contestants and to prepare for the district-level competition, clubs and regions are encouraged to hold all competitions in-person.
• Use of A.I. is prohibited: This competition relies on the student's ability to articulate their business idea.
• Student Resources: View the Important Documents section on this page to view and download information the student will need to complete their business plan.

Club Level Judge Panel: Each club will form a judges panel (non-Rotarians permitted)

• Review and select oral presentation finalists from the written business plans using the provided Written Proposal Score Sheet.
• Evaluate the oral presentations using the Presentation Score Sheet.
• Select one winner to advance to the Regional Competition Level to represent their club.
• While this competition does not mirror a “Shark Tank” experience, judges are encouraged to ask questions of contestants to ensure they can speak to their proposal and articulate the impact of their product or service to one or more of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus.

Awards & Recognition

[subject to change based on the number of clubs participating]

Cash prizes will be awarded during both the Regional & District level competitions.

• Club Level Prizes: At club discretion

• Regional Level Prizes: 1st place $500; Runner-Up $250; 3rd place $125 

• District Finals Prizes: 1st place $2,000 and $300 to supporting teacher; Two Runners-Up $500 each and $100 to each supporting teacher.

• All District Finalists: Receive a District 5300 Certificate of Excellence.  It is also recommended that clubs reach out to their respective U.S. Congressional Representatives and California or Nevada State Assembly members to request commendations for their participants. Ideally, commendations would be presented at the district-level competition or at a club meeting honoring the contestants. at which the Representative, Assembly members, or their staff would attend.

Club Participation

• Project Fee: $350 per participating club, applied toward prize pools
• Commitment Deadline: To finalize prize pools and communicate to participants, Clubs must submit Intent Forms by 10/31/25 & Payments by 11/20/25.
• Advancement: Each club may advance one student/team to the Regional Competition. Runners-up will be selected at the regional level to ensure full representation across all areas during the final competition at District Assembly.
• Sponsorships: Donations from businesses are welcome and will be publicly recognized during the club and regional competitions.
• Mentorship: Like other competitions, contestant mentorship is permitted. Specifically, mentoring contestants as they prepare their written plan and prepare for presentations can enhance the experience for everyone. Mentors should refrain, however, from completing any portion of the written plan or guide the contestant in a manner that the business plan is more the mentor’s than the contestant’s. Further, mentors should refrain from providing insights about any member of the judges panel to influence or create an unfair advantage. Contestant mentors may NOT serve as judges.

General Overview

• Each participating club may submit one business plan (individual or team) to advance to the Regional Competition level
• While only one winner will be named at each Regional Competition, a runner-up will also be selected (and awarded a smaller prize) to ensure full representation from every region at the finals
• To support clubs and students, we will provide:
• A Business Plan 101 Workshop Recording covering the basics of business planning and guidance on crafting strong proposals
• Scoring sheet templates to assist with consistency
• Promotional flyers to help your club market and encourage participation in the Competition

Key Dates

• Club Level: Determined by individual clubs (no later than March 2026)
• Regional Semi-Finals: Scheduled for early May 2026
• District Finals: Saturday, May 23, 2026 (at District Assembly)