Academics

Essex County College is pleased to announce the Allen J. Singleton Business Plan Competition 2023. If you have a goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur, we invite you to compete in the 5th Annual Essex County College Business Plan Competition.

The competition is open to students aspiring or present entrepreneurs wishing to launch a new business venture, as well as those already in the business world. Students will have three opportunities to win prizes by coming up with the most compelling business ventures.

2023-2024 Winners 

FIRST PLACE: Johyndina Jean Jacques 
SECOND PLACE: Samira Scantling
THIRD PLACE: Victor Igboemeka 

2022 – 2023 Winners

FIRST PLACE: Halaina Davis
SECOND PLACE: Yuri Guillen
THIRD PLACE: Elizabeth Joachin 

2018 – 2019 Winners:

FIRST PLACE: Jelony Mann
SECOND PLACE: Antionette Bennett
THIRD PLACE:  Marshal Oyama

2017 – 2018 Winners:  

FIRST PLACE: Diamond Glenn
SECOND PLACE: Adrianna Jawdynska
THIRD PLACE:  Emmanuel Osei-Wusu

2016 – 2017 Winners:  

FIRST PLACE: Victor Olaniyi
SECOND PLACE: Dazhai Brown
THIRD PLACE: Peta-Gay Harper


Phase 1 – Application Submission

Applications are available online every fall Semester

The Business Plan Competition is open to all Essex County College Students. There are no fees for entering the Competition. You may participate in the Competition as an individual student or as a team member of not more than three persons. Only one application is permitted per student or team. Note that the Committee is interested in applications that describe innovative business ideas, products, or services, that have the potential for becoming a viable and growing enterprise. All applications will be equally considered for approval. Applications will not be returned to the originator.

All Competition Applications will be reviewed by the Essex County College Business Plan Committee. All approved applicants will be notified directly. If your application is approved, you will receive an email stating that you are eligible to move on to Phase 2 of the competition.

Phase 2 – Workshop Preparation and Schedule

If your application is approved, you will receive an email notification stating you have been considered eligible to move on to Phase 2 of the competition. This consists of participants attending a training workshop on business plan writing to assist them with preparation for the completion of the Business Plan Competition. In addition to the workshop, all applicants will also receive presenter training given by the Business Division Faculty to be eligible to move to the next level.

Phase 3 – Business Plan Final Submission

Submit your Final Business Plan, including all attachments in PDF format


For all inquiries contact

Professor Germaine Albuquerque
Chairperson Business Division
(973) 877-3443
Email: [email protected] 

Dr John Olotewo
(Coordinator Business Division)
(973) 877- 3221 
Email: [email protected]