Wichita State University's Center for Entrepreneurship is gearing up to host its next business plan competition that aims to encourage students' new venture ideas.
In its 15th year, the three-round Shocker New Venture Competition runs March 31 through April 29. It's free to apply and the competition is open to WSU students, recent graduates and community members, but at least one member of each team must be a current student, or a December 2021 graduate, of an accredited Kansas college or university.
Meanwhile, business owners, successful entrepreneurs, subject-matter experts and faculty members serve as judges throughout the competition process.
The WSU competition is one of many efforts to empower and bolster new startups in Wichita, which many say is poised to emerge with a new generation of startups post-Covid.
Troy Tabor, the new director at WSU's Center for Entrepreneurship, said the pandemic has helped people reflect on how they use their time, what they find important in life, and how they see themselves within the community.
"When we do pause to reflect in life we often see ourselves doing something better for ourselves and our community. This is the genesis of entrepreneurship," Tabor said in an emailed statement. "It is no wonder we see so many new startups coming through the Center for Entrepreneurship, from Wichita State University students and faculty/staff, as well as such a ground swell in the Wichita region. There are many great things coming to Wichita."
Contestants have until March 31 to pitch their idea and business model in a 3-minute video, and judges will announce who advances April 8. Apply online at wichita.edu/snvc.
On April 22, each team will have the opportunity to showcase their business ideas during a public trade show.
Finally, on April 29, remaining teams get eight minutes to make a final pitch to the judges and a winner will be announced.
