SBI students win Ford HBCU biz classic

Two FAMU business students recently claimed the top honor at the 2009 Ford HBCU Business Classic.

Evan Anderson and Emerson Naylor submitted their business plan for VMed LLC and received the grand prize honors for their life-changing concept. Their company has developed a plan to utilize technology to simplify people's health care needs. Ford awarded them a total of $50,000 in scholarship funds -- $35,000 in personal scholarships and $15,000 for their university.

During the competition, students were challenged to test their entrepreneurial ambitions before a panel of judges, comprised of influential entrepreneurs from the business community. Each team was scored on the viability of their business plans, their overall presentation and the business plan's potential benefit to the community.

The judges for the competition included George Fraser, Chairman & CEO of FraserNet/author; Boris Kodjoe, actor/entrepreneur; Pat Lottier, CEO of Atlanta Tribune; FAMU almunus Will Packer, Chairman & CEO of Rainforest Films/producer; and Dr. Randal Pinkett, Chairman & CEO of BCT Partners/author. The event was hosted by Kevin Frazier, TV anchor and entertainment correspondent.

"As an HBCU graduate I know firsthand the impact that programs such as the Ford HBCU Business Classic can have on students," said Crystal Worthem, Multicultural Marketing Manager, Ford Brand. "The real-world solutions presented during the competition are extremely timely and will have huge positive implications on communities and businesses nationwide. We are excited to pave the way for this next generation of business leaders, and gain their perspective about the current economic situation and solutions for the domestic auto industry."

To enter the competition, students submitted a business plan via the Ford HBCU Business Classic website. The plans required several key elements to be considered for the competition, including type of business, product or service, target market and competition, and general operations.

The Ford HBCU Business Classic finalist competition will also premiere as a TV One special in July 2009. The "Ford HBCU Business Classic Special" will feature candid moments with the student teams as they prepare for the competition, highlights from each business plan presentation as well as the celebrity judges' selection process to determine the 2009 winners.

Check for the exact air date, local times and channel listings here.