Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship Connects Smith School
with Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders in China
Center Sponsors Fourth Annual China Business Plan Competition and Delegation

The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship is taking a strong lead in building connections between the Smith School and entrepreneurs, government and business leaders in China with the launch of the 2008 China Business Plan Competition and Dingman Delegation to China.

“The competition, now in its fourth year, has a great reputation in China,” said Asher Esptein, managing director of the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship. “This event strongly supports our global positioning as a leader in educating students through entrepreneurship research and practice.”

The Smith School and the Dingman Center have launched the 2008 China Business Plan Competition - Go for the Gold!, in partnership with the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). The competition is supported by Fidelity Asia Ventures and invites China entrepreneurs to win cash prizes totaling $50,000. The annual event is now in its fourth successful year.

Highlights for this year will include a final event and awards ceremony held in Beijing on Oct. 29 and a delegation that will take staff, students and business executives on an in-depth look at the world’s fastest growing economy. The group will go to Beijing, China’s seat of government and culture, as well as to Tianjin, a significant port city. Participants will tour factories and meet with business leaders to gain deeper insight into on-the-ground trends, views and experiences.

“It’s a profoundly rewarding learning opportunity. There is no replacement for first-hand observations, conversations and meetings," said Epstein. “Participants walk away with impressions that significantly enhance how they do business in China.”

The Dingman Center’s activities form a significant plank in the Smith School’s platform of engagement in China. The China Business Plan Competition and delegation provide opportunities for U.S.-based Smith School constituents to connect with that important market, while creating a conduit for sharing of school knowledge and best practices with peer universities, science parks and business leaders within China.