Four schools will put their business minds on the line in the University of Newcastle’s Year 11 Business Plan Challenge on Friday 11 November.

The University’s Business School selected four finalists from over 350 entries to compete for the $14,000 prize pool. They will have up to 15 minutes to present their concepts to the judging panel. The finalists and their business plans are:

St Francis Xavier, Hamilton: A fruit bar designed to function as a healthy fresh and appetising snack, associated with fruit.

St Columbia Anglican College, Port Macquarie: Fire Starters Youth Outreach - a decked out fire truck to entertain bored teenagers in rural areas. The vehicle promotes local businesses and provides drinks, snacks and a barbecue.

Merewether High School, Broadmeadow: A Corporate Unit Trust providing elderly pre-retired couples and singles with financial services and advice.

Shore School, St Leonards: Specialist shoes, t-shirts and accessories will be marketed to people engaging in Parkour, a sport that involves moving through an urban landscape while navigating obstacles using only the human body.

The event’s guest speaker will be Billie Goat Soap founder Leanne Faulkner.

The University of Newcastle Year 11 Business Plan Challenge will run from 10am-2pm on Friday 11 November at level 3 University House, corner of King and Auckland Streets. Winners will be announced at 1pm. For interview: Dr Michael Seamer of the School of Business on 02 4921 8973.