The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, a top-ranked U.S. business school with Executive MBA and custom executive education programs in China, has launched the China Business Plan Competition. Now in its successful third year, the Smith School sponsors its annual China Business Plan Competition in support of the growth of world-class business ideas and business leaders in China. With its focus on globalization, entrepreneurship and technology, the Smith School is ideally positioned to share its leadership in these areas as part of its commitment to the China market.

The Smith School's Third Annual China Business Plan Competition gives teams of entrepreneurs from around the world the chance to compete for three grand prizes totaling $50,000. The top three teams will also be awarded the opportunity to participate in a custom workshop with the Smith School's Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship. Training will focus on entrepreneurship and will include individual coaching, specialized courses and presentations.

The competition's organizers include the Dingman Center and CCTV's Win in China television program. The Smith School is the exclusive academic partner for CCTV's Win in China reality television program, and has support and sponsorship from CCTV to deliver the China Business Plan Competition.

Who can enter?
Teams of up to four individuals are invited to submit business ideas focused on the integration of business and technology. Key competition dates are as follows:

• September 29, 2006 - launch of the competition. Entries consisting of a two-page business summary will be accepted online at www.rhsmith-umd.cn until April 30, 2007.
• Week of July 16, 2007 - semi-finalist announcement. Semi-finalists will be asked to develop a 15-25 page business plan, which will be accepted until August 17, 2007.
• August 28, 2007 - final round notification to finalists
• September 10, 2007 - final round competition. five selected finalists will make 10-minute presentations of their business plans as well as participate in a feedback session with the judges. The judges for the final round will include representatives of leading venture capital firms.

For more information about the Smith School's China Business Plan Competition please contact Asher Epstein aepstein@rhsmith.umd.edu, ph: (001) 301-405-9510.

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research for the digital economy. One of 13 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, PhD, and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in four continents including North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. More information about the Robert H. Smith School of Business can be found at: www.rhsmith.umd.edu.