HOUSTON, Dec. 3, 2014 -- Decorated veteran, entrepreneur and best-selling author Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North will deliver the keynote speech at an awards dinner Feb. 28 celebrating veteran entrepreneurs.

The dinner, hosted by the Houston chapter of the global non-profit Entrepreneurs' Organization, is the culmination of the EO-Houston Veterans Business Battle, a business plan competition where veterans who want to start a businesses will compete for investment capital.

The winners of the competition, which will be held earlier that day at Rice University, will be announced at the dinner. Entrepreneurs' Organization-Houston and Rice University's Veterans in Business Association will also name the Houston Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year.

North, a former Marine well-known for his role in the Iran-Contra Affair in the 1980s, went on to become a business owner, an inventor with three U.S. patents, a bestselling author and the host of "War Stories" on Fox News Channel.  He will speak about the transition to civilian life and how to channel military training to become an entrepreneur.   

"Lt. Col. North has risen above trials and forged a successful career after the military that rivals his highly-decorated military experience," said Entrepreneurs' Organization-Houston president Mark Martin. "It is our hope that his story will inspire other veterans to become successful entrepreneurs as well."

Applications are now being accepted for the business plan competition. All types of businesses are encouraged. Prizes and awards will be given for the most viable and promising business, but organizers hope to help launch as many businesses as possible.

To compete, individuals or teams must submit a business plan through the competition's website, www.vetbizbattle.com, by January 15, along with documentation verifying their service. Finalists will be notified by Feb. 1 of their invitation to participate in the event.

Tickets to the dinner are available to the general public for $125 a plate. Table sponsorship is available by calling (832) 299-5177.  Portions of the proceeds from the dinner will be awarded to a crowd favorite in the Veterans Business Battle and go toward scholarships for veterans pursing a Rice MBA degree.