Have the next great “green” product idea?

Greenovation is an annual competition, for the best new green product that supports the principles of sustainability. Greenovation is hosted by the SBDC for Enterprise Excellence (SBDCEE) and TMAC.

Coming Spring 2012.  Stay tuned for details.
Congratulations to the 2011 Greenovation Winners.

Globe

Developing green products for our future.

What is a green product?

Greenovation seeks original product ideas that embody the Triple Bottom-Line principles of Planet, Profit and People.

The product idea should:

  • Provide immediate and future positive impact on the environment
  • Minimize waste and maximize sustainability
  • Have a 5 year or less financial payback to the customer

Who can enter the competition?

There will be three competitor categories:

  • Students
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Companies

When is the competition?

Contest applications will be accepted beginning September 6, 2011 and ending October 14th. Finalists will be notified October 21st and winners announced November 9th. Follow the competition on http://www.SBDCExcellence.org or http://www.GreenovationContest.com

Where is the competition?

The Fall 2011 Greenovation competition will be limited to the DFW Metroplex: Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, Denton and Johnson counties. A Spring 2012 Greenovation is planned for all 49 counties of the North Texas SBDC Region plus any of the other six (6) TMAC regional offices.

Why enter the competition?

The winners will share in $10,000+ in prizes plus free significant publicity and product launch assistance.

Why is the Greenovation competition important?

  • Greenovation will result in new, sustainable products that can be manufactured in Texas. Manufacturing jobs have a 4:1 multiplier impact. Every new manufacturing job creates four more in the economy.
  • Greenovation will raise visibility to the importance of engineers, scientists and inventors. New, sustainable products will increase the economic growth of America in the global marketplace.
  • Greenovation will promote the Triple Bottom-Line of Planet, Profit (Performance) and People.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you think you have the next great “green” product idea? Then you need to enter the 2011 SBDC and TMAC Greenovation Contest!

What’s the goal of this competition?

To encourage our region’s entrepreneurs and companies to pursue green product concepts. To provide an opportunity to make a difference for our environment and pursue a “green” idea. To provide all contestants with awareness of and access to service providers to help launch that business and idea, regardless of the competition outcome.

What are the criteria to consider my product idea “green”?

Applicants must submit an original product idea that reflects green initiatives. The concept should:

  • Address both immediate and future environmental impacts
  • Have positive environmental objectives
  • Minimize waste
  • Work toward sustainability of items/resources
  • The winning invention will have the lowest possible environmental impact with the highest possible benefits.

Who can enter the competition?

Any company or entrepreneur in North Texas who wants to pursue a green product idea or green product line.

Can I enter more than one idea?

Yes, you can submit more than one idea. Completed applications must be submitted for each idea.

What’s in it for the winner?

The contest will have a grand prize winner and runner-up winners. The grand prize winner will receive a complete prize package valued at over $10,000.

How do I enter?

Contestants must: Agree to the rules and regulations of the contest. Complete a written application and return it by mail or e-mail to the SBDC for Enterprise Excellence at the mailing or physical address below. If selected as a finalist, contestant must be available and willing to present their idea to an expert panel of judges in October 2011. Winner announcement will be in November 2011. Finalists and judging times to be determined. Final presentations will be 15 minutes: 10 minute presentations with 5 minutes for judge questions and answers.

When is the deadline to enter?

Contact the SBDC for Enterprise Excellence to find out the deadlines. You can contact the SBDC by phone 817-272-5930, Tpryor@uta.edu or visiting the www.SBDCEcellence.org web site. Finalists will be selected and contacted in October 2011. A presentation judging time will be scheduled with the finalists in November 2011. Winner will be announced during a Greenovation Awards Presentation.

What if I have more questions?

Please call or email Tom Pryor, Director of the SBDC for Enterprise Excellence at 817-272-5930 or Tpryor@uta.edu.

Apply

Complete the Application

Download the application in PDF or Word format.

PDF Form Word Doc

Ways to Submit Your Application

Signed entries must be received by 5:00pm Friday, October 14, 2011 at the SBDC office at 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. South, Fort Worth, TX 76118. No exceptions.

By Email:

Signed entries can be emailed to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) . NOTE: We will accept a digital copy if it includes a signature – PDF preferred.

By Fax:

Signed entries can also be faxed by 5:00pm October 14th to 817-272-5998

By Mail:

The Mailing Address for entries is: SBDC, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. South, Fort Worth, TX 76118