Envolve, a nonprofit committed to developing and cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems, has partnered with Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business to promote its 2018 Envolve Award USA business plan competition throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.

The annual business plan competition offers early-stage and established entrepreneurs the opportunity to win up to $25,000 in interest-free funding along with access to business expertise and additional financing options.

This is the third year of the competition and its first in the Atlanta market. Previously open only to entrants in the Bronx, N.Y., and Miami-Dade County, Fla., the 2018 Envolve Award USA also includes competitions in Baltimore, Charleston, S.C., Detroit, Flint, Mich., and the greater New York City area.

“The metro Atlanta area and its entrepreneurial ecosystem is thriving and we want to do our part to support aspiring entrepreneurs of all backgrounds,” said Christopher Upperman, Envolve CEO and a 2009 Georgia State alumnus. “It’s our hope we can encourage others to support worthy entrepreneurs through financial assistance, workshops and other provisions.”

“Atlanta is one of the broadest and most diverse entrepreneurial markets in the nation,” said Isabelle Monlouis, a professor of practice in Robinson’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute and associate director of its Herman J. Russell, Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship. “Given the number of higher education institutions, entrepreneurial hubs and incubators in the area, we anticipate receiving many strong entries.”

Applicants must submit their business plans by Sept. 21.