Entering its 14th year, the competition is hosted and organized by the Center for Entrepreneurship. This three-round competition inspires students from across the state and from a variety of majors, to put entrepreneurial principles into practice.

For the first time, this event will be virtual. It will still bring with it seasoned business owners, successful entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and demanding faculty members providing invaluable feedback along the way.

The Trade Show is noted as the most exciting round of the competition and will take place on Friday, April 23, 2021. Teams are encouraged to set up intricate virtual displays and pitch the team's business concept to judges over webinars. The judges will be comprised of two sectors: student judges and business leaders. All judges are given $10,000 "Shocker Dollars" to invest in a portfolio of teams that they consider "most viable" - most likely to succeed in the marketplace. At the end of the event, investment dollars will be tallied. The six teams with the most investments will advance to the Finals. Advancing teams will be notified via email.

Funding comes from corporate sponsors and individual donors.

Interested in being a student judge?
Sign up today to be a student judge and choose which team wins the People’s Choice Award at the Online Trade Show! Fill out the student judge sign-up form.