THIRD ANNUAL BIG IDEA COMPETITION
sponsored by the Cray Center for Entrepreneurship
Thursday, March 4th
Starting at Noon in front of the Cafe.
Win up to $1,000
Want a way to make some quick cash?
How about a chance to show your creativity?
Have a desire to scratch that Entrepreneurial itch you’ve had?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then it’s time for you to get ready to jump on the trolley and enter our Third Annual BIG IDEA Competition.
The BIG IDEA Competition is an opportunity for students either individually or as a team (we'll encourage you to create a team) to start brainstorming and come up with a new idea for a business. We want to keep the creativity going and not bog you down in planning details, yet we want to make sure you are ready to present a real business idea on March 4th. So here are some things you should know:
- Every BC student is eligible. No matter your major or academic standing, you are eligible to enter the competition and win up to $1,000 and possibly more (By the way, a majority of entrepreneurs majored in something OTHER than business). You are encouraged to develop a team, since statistics show a greater effectiveness for new ventures happen more frequently if created by a team.
- Once you fill out this form, you will be contacted by Phil Baniewicz, Executive Director of the Cray Center for Entrepreneurship, and given resources and directions on how to go about developing your big idea so it is ready for your "pitch" on the 26th.
- Think BIG. Your idea can be for any area or walk of life. We ask that it not be contrary to the mission of the school, but the business idea can be for something locally, nationally, or internationally. Check out the "hot list" on entrepreneur.com http://www.entrepreneur.com/hotcenter) for new ventures that are doing great right now... they might trigger an idea for you.
- Come up with an idea, do a little research, begin developing a way to make it happen, then come up with a 3-minute "pitch" that you will give to business professionals aboard the trolley on March 4. You won't need to put time in to developing a business plan or some other extremely time-consuming effort prior to the competition. However, the judges will be able to spot those that have put time and thought into making an idea great, so you are strongly encouraged to BE READY. If your idea has potential after the competition, the Cray Center will help you prepare for regional and national business plan competitions where you could potentially win $20,000 in cash plus investment money for your business. If you are serious about starting your business idea, we will help you bring it to fruition if you are willing to do the work.
- Check-in at the Cafe on Thursday, March 4th and then wait for your turn aboard the trolley. Give your pitch when your time comes, then sit back and see if you have the winning idea. $1,000 in cash will be given away to the winners.
If you have any questions, please contact David Geenens at 913.360.7633 .
