News Summary
The National Community Pharmacists Association announced finalists for the Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. Teams from the University of South Carolina, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Washington will compete for top honors at the NCPA Annual Convention. The competition emphasizes the importance of business skills for future pharmacy professionals, honoring the legacy of key advocates in the independent pharmacy sector.
Louisiana Hosts 2025 Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the NCPA Foundation have announced the finalists for the 2025 Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. Three teams from the University of South Carolina, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Washington will compete live on Saturday, October 18, 2025, during the NCPA Annual Convention in New Orleans.
The winner of this competition will be revealed on Sunday, October 19, at the First General Session of the convention. NCPA President Jeff Harrell highlighted the competition’s significance in fostering essential skills such as business savvy, meticulous attention to detail, resilience, and crafting a solid business plan to succeed in the pharmacy field.
Finalists and Competition Format
The three finalist teams representing their respective universities have demonstrated exceptional prowess in developing comprehensive business plans focused on purchasing or opening a pharmacy. They will present their plans in front of an audience where they will be evaluated by a panel including independent pharmacy owners, business coaches, consultants, financiers, and community pharmacy practitioners, who will use a detailed grading rubric for scoring.
Alongside the finalists, ten other teams earned positions in the top tier, including Keck Graduate Institute, Rutgers University, University at Buffalo, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, University of Mississippi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Oklahoma.
Supporters of the Competition
The Student Business Plan Competition is supported by major industry players including Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, and the NCPA Foundation. This initiative is recognized as the first national competition of its kind in the pharmacy profession, aiming to prepare future pharmacy entrepreneurs by encouraging innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among pharmacy students.
Legacy and Purpose
This competition honors the memory of Neil Pruitt Sr. and H. Joseph Schutte, both of whom were prominent advocates for independent community pharmacy. By motivating pharmacy students to develop practical and actionable plans, the NCPA seeks to inspire a new generation of pharmacy leaders equipped with the necessary skill set to succeed in an evolving industry.
In addition to the competitive aspect, first-time participants in the competition will receive a participation plaque, with yearly plates for continued involvement. Special recognition plates will also be awarded to teams that finish in the top 10, acknowledging their achievement in a rigorous and competitive setting.
Conclusion
As the pharmacy landscape continues to change, initiatives like the Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition play a crucial role in fostering the next generation of pharmacy professionals. The upcoming competition promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the talent and innovation of pharmacy students across the United States, with results that may very well shape the future of pharmacy practice.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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