The Shocker New Venture Competition is comprised of three rounds. Entering into the competition gives you access to valuable training opportunities and feedback from professional mentors.

Rules and Guidelines Competition Prep Additional Resources

Key Dates for 2023

Event:	Date:	Time:
Applications Open	February 27
Applications and Business Model Video Due	March 30	12:00 P.M.
Ongoing Business Model Judging	March 31 - April 6
Business Model Video Judging Results Announced	April 7
Informational Meeting/Training for Trade Show Participation	April 12	9:00 - 11:00 AM (mandatory attendance)
Trade Show	April 21	1:00 - 1:15 P.M. (meeting) 1:15 - 3:00 P.M. (set-up) 3:00 - 6:00 P.M. (judging)
Finals	April 28	2:00 - 4:00 P.M. (presentations) 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. (reception) 5:00 - 5:30 P.M. (awards presentation)

How to Compete

Business Model Video

This 3-minute video should be an overview of your new venture, and you have February 27th - March 30th to submit it.
For details on content and instructions for upload:

Video Guide

Round 2

Trade Show

Prior to the Trade Show there will be a mandatory Informational Meeting/Training for Trade Show Participation on April 12.

Set up intricate displays and pitch the team's business concept to judges April 21st.

As judges visit your team, you will be pitching your venture to them and answering their questions.

Examples of what they may ask:

What's the value proposition?
What problem is the business solving for customers?
What makes this idea special?
Why is your team especially well-suited to address this problem?
What's the market you're trying to serve and is it big enough to matter?
How will you reach the market?
What's your sustainable competitive advantage?
How will you generate revenue? What are your costs?

The highest scoring teams will move onto the final round of the competition.

Round 3

Finals

The final round of the competition on April 28th includes an 8-minute presentation with digital visual aid to a live audience. Teams should treat the judging panel as potential investors. Following your presentation, the judging panel has 8-minutes for questions.

Following the team presentations, judges will deliberate and then begin announcing the winners.

Inspiring students to put entrepreneurial principles into practice.

PREPARE COMPETE VOLUNTEER SPONSOR KEY DATES APPLY

Here to assist in your entrepreneurial journey.

If you cannot find a date and time provided when scheduling a Pitch Practice or Startup Consultation, reach out directly to Nancy Kersenbrock, and we will find a time that works for you.

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