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. The teams from the University of South Carolina, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Washington will present their business plans in a live competition on October 18 at the NCPA Annual Convention in New Orleans. The winner will be revealed on October 19 during the convention's First General Session.
NCPA President Jeff Harrell stated, "To be successful in today’s pharmacy climate, owners must have business savvy, attention to detail, resiliency, and a solid business plan to help keep us on track." He expressed pride in all participating teams and wished luck to the three finalists as they prepare for their presentations.
The competition offers awards for first, second, and third places: $3,000 for first place to both the NCPA student chapter and contributed to the school; $2,000 for second place; and $1,000 for third place. These contributions are made in the dean's name to promote independent pharmacy.
Supported by Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, and the NCPA Foundation, this national competition honors Neil Pruitt Sr. and H. Joseph Schutte. It encourages pharmacy students to develop plans for purchasing or opening a pharmacy.
Other schools rounding out the top ten include 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.
Business plans were evaluated by independent pharmacy owners and other professionals using a detailed rubric. Schools participating for the first time receive a plaque, while those placing in the top ten receive a special plate acknowledging their achievement.
For more information about this competition, visit NCPA’s website.
Founded in 1898, NCPA represents over 18,900 pharmacies employing more than 205,000 individuals nationwide. Community pharmacies are key healthcare providers rooted within their communities.
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