Fall 2026
Competition
PEP invites you to join us for the Fall 2026 Business Plan Competition Event.
The final eight teams will pitch their business plans for you to judge, scoring them based on specific criteria to decide which business stands out as the most viable.
You are to assume the role of a hypothetical investor in our participants' businesses (although no real deals are made).
Your job is to listen to business plan presentations from each of the teams and assess them based on four "Pitch Elements." We are not trying to create business plans that are "good for an inmate." These should be high-quality and well-planned business concepts, and your direct feedback will help improve their plans. You will also be able to support and encourage the men and their ideas.
- Create Demand – Relationship between customer segments and value proposition
- Fulfill Demand – Key activities and resources required to produce the product/service at sufficient quality and quantity to fulfill demand (Business Model)
- Marketing – Choice of channels and content to show how to reach and engage customers
- Presentation – How well the team presents (eye contact, hand gestures, engaging, and natural delivery/not monotone)
When Is the Event
Friday, October 30, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Meet the Estes Fall 2026 BPC Teams
Click each team to review their business plan.
The final four teams will be announced at 6pm on October 29, 2026.
Business Plan Competition Agenda
Arrival and Check-In
Please ensure that the only things you bring into prison are your driver's license, car keys and pre-approved medical devices. (No cell phones, smart watches, food, liquids, knives, bombs, wild animals)
Breakfast Mix and Mingle w/Participants
This is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know the participants in the class.
Event Intro
Round One Pitches
This is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know the participants in the class.
Lunch
Another great opportunity to connect with the class members over a specially prepared meal.
PEP Clubhouse
A public forum with the Fall 2026 Class, Servant-Leaders, Volunteers and PEP Staff.
BPC Finals
The top six teams from Round One will pitch their businesses.
Move to Gym for Graduation
If you are not staying for the graduation ceremony, a staff member will escort you to the front so you can leave.
Graduation Ceremony Begins
You will have an opportunity before the ceremony starts to create congratulatory signs for the Fall 2026 Graduates.
Graduation Reception Begins
We will serve sweets and snacks as the graduates reconnect with their family members. This is a special time that is not to be missed!
Graduation Remarks
Provide a note of encouragement to be included in the Estes Fall 2026 Graduation program.
All remarks must be submitted no later than 10:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2026, to be included in the program.
Sorry. This form is no longer available.