Apply to the 2026 New York Business Plan Competition
The student application is now open for the 2026 New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC)—New York’s premier statewide, intercollegiate entrepreneurship competition. Each year, students from colleges and universities across the state pitch their business ideas for the chance to win recognition, advance to statewide finals, and compete for prize money.
If you have a venture, startup idea, or early-stage concept you’ve been developing, this is a powerful next step.
How to Apply
If you’re considering applying and would like support refining your executive summary or pitch deck, we are here to help. Schedule a meeting, bring your draft, and let’s get you ready to compete.
Students must submit an executive summary as part of their application.
The deadline to apply is March 8, 2026.
What Happens Next?
Vassar students who apply and are selected to compete first at the Hudson Valley Regional Semi-Finals, hosted at SUNY New Paltz on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. If selected to compete at regionals, students must submit their final slide deck by Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 p.m. via a submission form that will be shared with competitors.
2026 NYBPC Calendar
NYBPC Info Session + Pitch Prep
February 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (Online)
Join Hudson Valley Venture Hub and the Mid-Hudson and Catskills Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for an introduction to the Mid-Hudson Regional New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC). College and university students compete regionally on March 25, and the winners advance to the statewide finals.
Registration is free and required.
Regional Semi-Finals
March 25, 2026, at SUNY New Paltz
Round 1 State Finals (Asynchronous, Online)
Early/Mid April
Round 2 + 3 State Finals
April 22, 2026, in Rochester, NY
Why Compete?
The NYBPC offers:
- Exposure to experienced judges and entrepreneurs
- Structured feedback to strengthen your venture
- Networking across institutions statewide
- The opportunity to compete for prize money
- A platform to represent Vassar on a regional and state stage
The 2026 competition begins with Hudson Valley institutions competing at the regional level on March 25. From there, top ventures advance to statewide rounds.
Learn More
Applications open in January 2026 and close March 8, 2026.
Full competition details are available on the New York Business Plan Competition website.
For questions, contact Bailey Burke.