Ohio Wesleyan University announces pitch competition open to anyone anywhere
The U.S. Entrepreneurship Competition will run two tracks - one for students and for all others - with nearly $500,000 in prize money available.
Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) launched its new U.S. Entrepreneurship Competition on July 1. Open to entrepreneurs of all ages and from all locations, it is the largest business plan competition in Ohio, with a total prize package of nearly a half-million dollars.
According to this news release from OWU, the competition includes both student and professional tracks. The student track is open to current college students and 2024 college graduates. The professional track is open to all others. First-, second-, and third-place winners in each category will earn cash investments and incubate in the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at OWU, where they will have access to intellectual capital and services to advance their business ideas.
“Ohio Wesleyan was founded with entrepreneurial spirit nearly 200 years ago,” said Phil Smith, Director of the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at OWU, a first-of-its-kind collaboration among the university, City of Delaware, and Delaware County. “The competition lets us expand upon this innate strength and help others build their own business legacies. Winners will receive the expert advice and support they need to forge their path forward and launch a successful company.”
Those interested in competing must apply before midnight August 15 at this link. Up to 10 teams (student and professional) will be selected to participate September 26 in a live competition. Semifinalists must be able to travel to the OWU campus in Delaware, OH, to compete, Smith said.
The judges will announce the top three winners in each track that day, with final placements announced October 5 during the Ohio Wesleyan Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration. The winners will earn prize packages valued at $100,000, $75,000, and $50,000, respectively. The judges will award $5,000 prizes to the fourth- and fifth-place finishers in each category as well as special awards such as best “elevator” pitch and most sustainable business.
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