Turn Your Business Idea Into Reality
Have an idea that could become a business?
A signature Tobin experiential learning opportunity, the James & Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition gives St. John's students the opportunity to transform innovative ideas into investor-ready business plans, compete for startup funding, and present their ideas before experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Whether your idea is a product, service, technology startup, or social enterprise, this competition helps you take the next step from concept to launch.
Open to all St. John's undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major.
Why Participate?
The James & Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition is more than a competition. It’s an opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, strengthen your business skills, and gain real world experience turning an idea into a viable business.
Whether you want to launch a startup, solve a real world problem, or build skills that strengthen your career, the experience will prepare you to think creatively, communicate confidently, and turn ideas into action.
Transform an Idea into a Business
Develop, evaluate, and refine a business concept while learning how to turn an idea into a viable business plan.
Build Your Business Skills
Gain practical experience in market research, financial planning, business strategy, and innovation.
Think Like an Entrepreneur
Learn to identify opportunities, solve problems creatively, make strategic decisions, and adapt your ideas based on feedback.
Pitch with Confidence
Present your business plan to experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals while strengthening your communication and presentation skills.
Grow Your Professional Network
Connect with entrepreneurs, alumni, faculty, and business leaders who can offer insight, feedback, and new perspectives.
Compete for Startup Funding
Put your idea to the test and compete for cash prizes that can help move your business forward.
Competition at a Glance
| Who Can Participate? | All St. John's undergraduate and graduate students |
| Eligible Ideas | New business ideas across any industry |
| Participation | Individual or teams of up to five students |
| Business Plan | Up to 15 pages |
| Final Round | Live presentation before a panel of judges |
| Top Prize | $5,000 |
Compete for Startup Funding
Participants have the opportunity to earn prize money through both the Business Plan Competition and the Pitch Competition.
Business Plan Competition
Awards are presented to the top three business plans following the final competition.
First Place: $5,000
Second Place: $2,000
Third Place: $1,000
Pitch Competition
First Place: $500
Second Place: $400
Third Place: $300
4th Place: $200
5th Place: $100
Past Winners
2026 Winner
Ryze Studios
2025 Winner
ParkX: Using municipal camera data to identify available parking spaces.
2024 Winner
Artesano: Authentic Colombian coffee in convenient tea bags.
2023 Winner
NYC Arts Cypher: Supporting artists through community-centered creative spaces.
How the Business Plan Competition Works
Step 1: Develop Your Business Idea
Create a new business concept individually or with a team of up to five students.
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Step 2: Prepare Your Business Plan
Research your market, develop your strategy, and complete your written business plan.
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Step 3: Submit Your Business Plan
Business plans are submitted for review by the competition deadline.
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Step 4: Finalists Selected
Selected teams advance to the final round of the competition.
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Step 5: Present Your Business
Finalists present their business plans before a panel of judges during the live competition.
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Step 6: Awards Presented
Cash prizes are awarded for both the Business Plan Competition and Elevator Pitch Competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The James & Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition is open to all currently enrolled St. John's University undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major.
Absolutely. The James & Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition is open to all St. John's undergraduate and graduate students. Students from every academic discipline are encouraged to participate individually or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Yes. Students may compete individually or as part of a team of up to five members.
Students may submit original business ideas from any industry, including products, services, technology startups, and social enterprises. Refer to the Competition Rules for complete eligibility requirements.
No. You do not need to have an existing business to participate. The competition is designed to help students develop and present new business concepts.
Business plans are evaluated by a panel of judges based on criteria outlined in the Competition Rules. Finalists present their business plans during the final competition before winners are selected.
Yes. Students retain ownership of their original business ideas and intellectual property.
Complete eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, business plan formatting instructions, judging criteria, and important deadlines are available in the Competition Rules section.
Competition Rules & Guidelines
Learn how the competition works and hear practical advice for developing a successful business plan.