For the review panel to fully understand and analyze a business or project, it is essential to provide a preliminary business proposal (not exceeding 5 pages) mapped out as follows :

(1) The concept
Describe the value proposition, the targeted audience and its market relevance.

(2) The market
Assess size, segmentation and development of the targeted market (assumptions and information sources).

(3) The competition
Present the main competitors, the comparative advantages of the project and its uniqueness (technology, know-how, contemplated partnerships, etc.)

(4) The business model
Define the sources of revenues, the marketing, sales strategies and all relevant parties.

(5) The team
Names, ages, degrees, past business experiences, anticipated responsibilities.

(6) The backers of the project
Shareholders, board members, partners, advisory board.

(7) The 3-year forecast
Present underlying assumptions (market share, volume, price, growth, key operating expenses and investments) and the resulting sales, EBIT and the cash-flow forecasts including a sensitivity analysis.

(8) The risks
Analyze the major risks threatening the project (technical, legal, logistical issues...) and barriers to entry.

(9) Development stage of the project
Initial developments, partnerships, customers, etc.

(10) The funding requirements and preliminary valuation
Funding requirements, use of funds, need for operational support, preliminary valuation.