Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline for application?
A: April 15, 2010
Q. When will the winner be announced?
A: On or around June 17, 2010. Date subject to change.
Q: Where must my business be located?
You must operate your business (or be willingness to start/relocate the business) in any one of the 32 participating PA counties:
| Adams | Clinton | Fulton | Mercer |
| Bedford | Crawford | Huntingdon | Mifflin |
| Blair | Cumberland | Indiana | Perry |
| Cambria | Dauphin | Jefferson | Potter |
| Cameron | Elk | Juniata | Somerset |
| Centre | Erie | Lancaster | Venango |
| Clarion | Forest | Lebanon | Warren |
| Clearfield | Franklin | McKean | York |
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Q: I live in one of the 32 listed counties, but my business is outside of this area. Am I eligible to apply for the contest?
A: No, the location of the business is the determining factor for eligibility.
Q: How may entries be submitted?
A: Entries are accepted electronically ONLY. No entries will be accepted by regular mail.
Q: How do I know if my business is eligible?
To qualify, entrepreneurs must have:
- A new, early-stage/pre-revenue energy related business idea
- The idea can involve an improvement to an existing technology, new hardware/software to improve energy efficiency, new battery or fuel cell applications, engine/turbine technologies, any alternative energy product or process, or agriculture related projects that would result in alternative energy.
- The focus of this competition is on the “technical” application and feasibility, BUT the liklihood of commercialization is a CRITICAL component.
- IMPORTANT – YOU MAY NOT have received previous BFTP funding for this business
Q: Will the confidential information in my business plan be seen by anyone else?
A: All information and submissions are kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with any outside agencies. In addition, all contest reviewers have signed confidentiality agreements.
Q: What can the award money be used for?
A: Awards must be used to start or further develop the technology related to your business. Within the business plan, you will describe how you will use the prize money.
Q: My business is less than a year old. Can I apply?
A: The age of the business is immaterial to this contest, as long as it is pre-revenue.
Q: What type of businesses are preferred?
A: Eligible tech-based business start-ups must be developing an energy or alternative energy related product or process. Green applications that would substantially save on traditional energy sources are also eligible.
Q: Can I apply if I have a great business idea but have not yet formed the business?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of employees my business can have?
A: The contest is open to any start-up with fewer than 50 employees as long as all other requirements of the contest are also met.
Q: If I submit my application before the final deadline but need to make a change, can I resubmit my plan?
A: All changes will be accepted until the final deadline .
Q: Can a person submit more than one application to the contest?
A: Only one application per business is acceptable.