You've heard us complain about it.

You've seen us struggle with it.

Now we're going to take a step to change things... and you can help.  In fact, we need you to help.

On 26 April 2008, we have the Mid Atlantic Business Plan Competition.  The panel of judges includes a number of VC's, fund manager types, entrepreneurs, and even a more familiar face from the DC Tech scene. ;)

So here's the plan.  We're going to flood the place.  We're going to get the best and brightest people in DC to show up and participate.  When the judges and the press and the professors and the students look around the room, we need to show them that there definitely is a startup community in DC.  That there are entrepreneurs in DC.  That we do have the passion to make our dreams happen and change our environment.  That entrepreneurs don't have to leave DC to make a go at it.

So Keith, what do we do?

First, talk about it.

Pass this post - or any of the other ones - around to other entrepreneurs and smart people you know.  Ask them to spread the word and talk/blog/tweet about it.

Second, show up.

Give up one Saturday afternoon to help us swarm the place!  Jimmy Gardner - a friend and champion of the local DC Tech scene - has created a Facebook Group (DC Technology Business Plan Competition Crashers) and set up an event to coordinate our efforts.

Place: ICC Auditorium, Georgetown University (Building 26 on this map)

Time: 1 - 5pm

My goal is 200+ sharp people from the community. Are you going to be one of them?

As of 11:30pm EST on 07 April, we have 18 people.  About 10%!