Do you have a great idea for a business? Do you want to make your business successful? In its ninth year, the 2018 Monfort College of Business Entrepreneurial Challenge is newly designed to help entrepreneurs take their business to the next level. Participants will receive expert opinions, professional advice and an opportunity to share $50,000 in prize money. 

The competition is open to pre-launch or early stage, Colorado-based startup ventures. Applications are now available at mcb.unco.edu/e-challenge and will be accepted until Monday, Nov. 13.  

In addition to the prize money, winners will receive business incubator services from UNC BizHub, the business incubator at the University of Northern Colorado. Participants will now 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 way we do business is evolving, specifically for entrepreneurs,” said UNC Executive Professor Dallas Everhart, Ph.D, who oversees the challenge. “The Monfort College of Business Entrepreneurial Challenge is changing to meet the new needs of startups. The participants in the Monfort College of Business E-Challenge will receive feedback and advice from successful, experienced and knowledgeable judges.”

Preliminary Challenge semifinalists will be notified on Dec. 8. The 10 semifinalists will present their business concept to a panel of experts on Jan. 30.  Five finalists will be selected to present their business plan in a competitive format on March 27.

For information about the program contact Everhart at dallas.everhart@unco.edu

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Jamie Dagg at jamie.dagg@unco.edu. 

 About the Monfort College of Business

The Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado is recognized for delivering excellence in business education.  For 20 years, the college has been accredited by AACSB International — the “gold standard” for accreditation. The college is one of an elite few worldwide that are accredited in both business administration and accounting. Over 10 successive years, MCB’s graduating seniors have scored in the top 15 percent on nationwide standardized exit exams. The college is the first and only business program to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award from the Office of the President of the United States (2004).  For more information, visit MCB’s website at mcb.unco.edu.