The Center for Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University will hold its fifth annual Shocker Business Plan Competition this April.

The competition is designed to encourage student innovation and provide a forum where students can present new business ideas to local business leaders, including entrepreneurs and investors. It is open to all Kansas students from state universities.

Business plans are due by 4 p.m. Friday, April 1. The trade show is from 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 29, in the concourse area of Charles Koch Arena. Semi-final and final rounds of competition are that day from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The final round is open to the public.

The day ends with a Center for Entrepreneurship banquet from 6-9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Wichita.

A total of $15,000 will be awarded to the top three teams whose new venture ideas have the greatest potential for attracting outside financing and implementation.

All majors are welcome to compete. Students may register as a team or individually.

Intent to Compete forms are due Friday, March 11, at the Center for Entrepreneurship, Devlin Hall, or online at http://www.wichita.edu/bp.

For more detailed information regarding the competition, contact Jamie Binns at (316) 978-5161, bizplancompetition@wichita.edu, or visit the competition website at www.wichita.edu/BP.