Monfort College of Business Entrepreneurship Challenge is Now Open
October 7, 2019
The University of Northern Colorado’s Monfort College of Business Entrepreneurial Challenge is accepting applications for its Open and Collegiate Divisions Competition.
Above: MCB Dean Paul Bobrowski (right) and Blake Craig of Laborjack (left), one of the finalists from the April 2019 Entrepreneurial Challenge.
Open Division Entrepreneurial Challenge
The Open Division Entrepreneurial Challenge provides 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.
In addition to the prize money, winners will receive business incubator services from UNC BizHub. 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 open-division competition is open to pre-launch, or early-stage, Colorado-based startup ventures that began operation within the past two years. Finalists from previous years are not eligible to apply.
Open division applications will be available at mcb.unco.edu/e-challenge. Completed applications must be submitted by January 6, 2020.
Semifinalists for the open division will be announced on January 29 at the Entrepreneurial Challenge Workshops. Semifinalists will pitch their business concept to a panel of experts on February 12. The finalists will be selected to present their business plan in a competitive format on March 4.
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, Aims Community College, Front Range Community College, Morgan Community College or Northeastern Junior 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.
Applications will be available at mcb.unco.edu/e-challenge. Completed applications must be submitted by February 2, 2020.
Collegiate finalists will be announced at the Open Division semifinals on February 12. Finalists will make their pitch presentation during the Open Division Entrepreneurial Challenge Finals on Wednesday, March 4.
"The knowledge from our judges, the input from our faculty at UNC and the overall experience helps entrepreneurs succeed," said UNC Professor Dallas Everhart, Ph.D., director of the Entrepreneurial Challenge.
Questions regarding the program can be directed to Everhart at monfort.echallenge@unco.edu.
About the Monfort College of Business
The Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business at UNC 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 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 study abroad.
