Monfort College of Business' Entrepreneurship Challenge Applications Open, Oct. 5
October 1, 2020
Applications open on Monday, Oct. 5, for the Open, Greeley and Collegiate Divisions of the University of Northern Colorado Monfort College of Business (MCB) Entrepreneurial Challenge.
Open and Greeley Divisions
The Open and Greeley Divisions provide competitors the chance to network, learn and grow to become more empowered entrepreneurs. Participants will receive education, knowledge and advice from industry experts and an opportunity to compete for a share of $50,000 in prize money.
New to the competition this year is the Greeley Division. The goal of opening a Greeley Division is to encourage entrepreneurship in UNC’s community and provide valuable skills to entrepreneurial ideas that will directly benefit Greeley.
"The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well at the University of Northern Colorado and in the Monfort College of Business! There is so much excitement and enthusiasm around the Entrepreneurial Challenge. I strongly encourage current and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in an event that will most certainly advance their ventures." said MCB Dean Sher Gibbs.
Participants will have an opportunity to attend workshops designed specifically for entrepreneurs to address the most critical elements of success including finance, human resources and marketing.
The Colorado and Greeley Divisions’ competitions are open to pre-launch, or early-stage, Colorado- or Greeley-based startup ventures that began operation within the past two years. Finalists from previous years are not eligible to apply.
Colorado and Greeley Division applications are available at mcb.unco.edu/e-challenge. Completed applications must be submitted by Oct. 31. There is a $175 entry fee for these two divisions.
Semifinalists for the Colorado and Greeley Divisions will be announced on Nov. 10. Semifinalists will pitch their business concept to a panel of experts on Nov. 19. The finalists will be selected to present their business plan in a competitive format on Feb. 9.
Collegiate Entrepreneurial Challenge
The Collegiate Entrepreneurial Challenge creates an entrepreneurial culture by encouraging students to develop their ideas, launch businesses and gain unique skills that come from participating in the challenge. Participants will receive expert opinions, professional advice and an opportunity to compete for scholarships to UNC. Participants will have an opportunity to attend workshops designed specifically for entrepreneurs to address the most critical elements of success including finance, human resources and marketing.
The collegiate competition is open to students enrolled at UNC or any Colorado community college. Students may participate as an individual or as a team. A team entry can consist of two to five eligible students. Students who have a business idea or an existing business are encouraged to apply.
“The Entrepreneurial Challenge helps everyone involved develop the skills necessary for the future of our economy and society. Entrepreneur skills are becoming increasingly more valuable for both individuals and companies. It is a mindset that needs developed,” said UNC Professor Dallas Everhart, Ph.D., director of the Entrepreneurial Challenge.
Applications are available at mcb.unco.edu/e-challenge. Completed applications must be submitted by Oct. 31.
Collegiate finalists will be announced at the Colorado and Greeley Division semifinals on Nov. 19. Finalists will make their pitch presentation during the Entrepreneurial Challenge Finals on Feb. 9.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our events will take place virtually. The workshops and Pitch Academy will be held completely virtually, and the semifinals and finals events will utilize a variety of in-person and virtual formats to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Questions regarding the program can be directed to Dallas Everhart at monfort.echallenge@unco.edu.
About the Monfort College of Business
The Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado has a long tradition of educating graduates who excel as entrepreneurs, leaders and decision makers in some of the world’s top industries. Our small class size provides students the ability to learn from experienced faculty and professionals, and to connect with alumni, stakeholders, and community members inside and outside the classroom. MCB offers a wide variety of opportunities to network, learn and grow. Students are encouraged to attend conferences and competitions, become involved on campus and in the community, and to study abroad. We invite you to visit UNC and MCB to learn more about the amazing opportunities we have to offer our students.
For more information, visit our websites: unco.edu or mcb.unco.edu.
