Trumbull Residents Serve as Advisors to Fairfield University Business Plan Competition

Nearly 50 students at Fairfield University have spent most of the 2013-2014 academic year preparing to compete in the institution’s annual business plan competition.  As they enter the final stages of forming and presenting their new business ideas, they will rely on the advice of faculty members and business experts to help them, including BlumShapiro Partner Tom Walsh and Manager Patrick Dunleavey. 

“As the Official Accounting and Finance Advisors for the Fairfield University Business Plan Competition, BlumShapiro is proud to support the entrepreneurial spirit of these highly motivated and creative students,” said Walsh, a resident of Trumbull.  

“Listening to their plans and giving them our advice on financial planning, financial presentation and overall business plan development provides all of us- the students and advisors-the opportunity to develop best practices for tomorrow’s business leaders,” said Dunleavey, also a resident of Trumbull.

“We are grateful for the involvement of our BlumShapiro sponsors as well as the more than 20 other advisors and mentors from the business and venture capital sectors.  Their real world experience brings invaluable lessons to our students,” said Chris Huntley, Associate Professor of Information Systems & Operations Management at Fairfield University and organizer of the Business Plan Competition. 

The Fairfield University Business Plan Competition was created three years ago by the Charles F. Dolan School of Business to meet the growing interest in entrepreneurship among students.  The annual competition is open to all undergraduates. This year, 10-12 teams will compete in two categories:  the venture track for new businesses with a profit focus and the social track for new organizations with a social mission.  Each category competes separately with its own judges and prizes, and a total of $20,000 will be awarded to several teams.  The final judging and awards presentation takes place April 14, 2014 at Fairfield University.