Registration for Annual JDL Business Plan Competition Opens Nov. 2 with $20,000 in Cash, Prizes

Dozens turned out to watch the Final Pitch Competition during the 2026 JDL Blazer Business Plan Competition.

VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State University (VSU) students looking to start their own business can make their best pitch for support, thanks to the third annual JDL Blazer Business Plan Competition. The event is hosted by the J. Donald Lee Center for Entrepreneurship, and registration for the 2027 event opens on Nov. 2, 2026.

The 2027 competition will offer a total of $20,000 in cash and prizes. The Final Pitch Competition is scheduled for March 5, 2027. 

Students from across VSU are encouraged to participate as you do not have to be a business major to take part. For VSU teams, it is strongly recommended that each team include at least one student from the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration.

Local high school students are also encouraged to take part. Students can begin developing their ideas and forming teams now, even though registration does not open until Nov. 2.

The timeline for the 2027 competition is as follows:

• Registration opens: Nov. 2
• Registration and Executive Summary Deadline: Jan. 24
• Semifinalists Notified: Jan. 25
• Full Business Plan Due: Feb. 14
• Finalists Notified: Feb. 17
• Final Pitch Competition: March 5

Those with questions can email jdlcenter@valdosta.edu. 

More on the Web:

J. Donald Lee Center for Entrepreneurship: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/business/deans-office/j.-donald-lee-center-for-entrepreneurship/

Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/business/