The Herbert B. Jones Finalist Prize was awarded to Howell (pictured second from left) and three team members for their Biking Billboards concept, a new kind of mobile advertising combining billboards pulled on bicycle trailers with savvy and engaging brand ambassadors promoting clients' messages.

Howell was complementary about the support the team received during the competition. "The advice, feedback and encouragement we have received throughout the Business Plan Competition has been invaluable. Our team is now much more prepared to scale our operations here in Seattle and expand to additional markets."

The company, BikingBillboards.com, has been operating for a year. Howell recently joined as Chief Technical Officer.

The 2012 Business Plan Competition drew 101 teams of students, who submitted their start-up ideas and innovations for consideration. The Competition is open to all students who are currently enrolled in a degree program in the state of Washington and this year, nine regional universities were represented.

Howell's team finished in the top four. The award included $5,000 from the Herbert B. Jones Foundation.