The competition will take place in three elimination rounds: idea entry, social venture plan and final presentations.

The following criteria will be used by the competition judges at each round to eliminate contestants until one winner is awarded $50,000.

1. Concept
• Originality of idea
• Feasibility of the business model given the market opportunity and the venture
• Scalability, in terms of the potential for growth or replication of the venture
• Well-conceived implementation plan and timetable
• Overall likelihood of achieving demonstrable results
2. Market
• Evidence of demand for the venture in the marketplace; market size and growth opportunity
• Demonstrated knowledge of target market
• Competitive analysis, SWOT analysis
• Marketing plan addresses (where applicable): positioning, pricing, advertising, promotion, packaging, timetable
3. Social Impact Assessment
• Reach, depth and quality of social impact
• Rigor and validity of social impact analysis calculation
• Proposal for implementing social impact metrics
4. Financial Viability and Sustainability
• Fundability: the potential for the venture to receive financial support from additional investors/donors (including opportunities for funding from foundations, social venture funds, angel investors and venture capitalists)
• The rigor and feasibility of the venture's financial model and goals
• Potential for follow-on funding to grow the venture through self-sufficiency or profitability
5. Demonstrated Leadership Ability
• Quantify venture leader's ability to develop people, promote change and achieve results
6. Management Team
• Strength of the venture's management team, including the team's depth of experience
• Evidence of previous training in management, leadership, sales, technology and/or industry specific skills
• Previous work experience
7. Performance Benchmarks
• Outline the development of systems to track, monitor and assess the performance milestones articulated in the venture plan
8. Risk Assessment and Contingency Plans
• Identify risk factors associated with the enterprise and external environment. Develop a plan for mitigating them.