A competition for aspiring entrepreneurs titled "Business Battle" has launched on April 13, with applications being accepted until May 20 on the official website бизнесбаттл.рф. Participants may include entrepreneurs and individuals over 18 who have innovative business ideas or ready-made projects.
The competition consists of four stages: market analysis, marketing strategy development, business plan and financial model preparation, and a final "Convince the Investor" presentation to a jury. Mentors include seasoned entrepreneurs like Alexander Dyrenko (Head of VTB branch across the North Caucasian Federal District) and Evgeny Osinovsky (Co-Founder of Snackmania Group).
The project's prize fund includes RUB 2 million from VTB for first place, free MBA tuition for second place, RUB 1 million from the government of Stavropol Krai for the third place and cash awards of RUB 200,000 and 100,000 from the agricultural holding "ASB" for the fourth and fifth places, respectively. Applicants are encouraged to submit a motivational video of no more than one minute alongside their application materials. The competition is organized by the Russian Media Group "Zapadnaya Pressa," with VTB serving as the general sponsor.