Bozeman Magazine

The competition provides entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their business ventures, receive feedback and compete for startup funding. The deadline for applications is Sunday, April 7.

The annual event is open to all undergraduate and graduate students from Montana University System-affiliated campuses, as well as MUS faculty and staff and alumni who graduated within the past 10 years from an MUS campus. The final round of the competition, where competitors present their business plans to a panel of judges, will start at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, in Inspiration Hall in Norm Asbjornson Hall on the Montana State campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Ventures that received first, second or third place prizes in previous MSU $50K or $75K Venture Competitions are not eligible to participate. In addition, ventures that have received venture capital or angel funding are not eligible, but ventures that have received funding from an MUS institution or the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs or similar grants may participate.

The event’s purse grew to $100,000 this year, up from $75,000. In addition to the monetary support for the top performers, all participants gain access to and receive feedback from entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and a panel of judges with extensive entrepreneurial experience.

Applications and competition information can be found at montana.edu/business/venture-competition/.

Questions about the MSU $100K Venture Competition may be directed to 406-994-4383 or info@msulaunchpad.org.

The Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers four undergraduate options of study – accounting, finance,management and marketing – as well as five minors - accounting; business administration; entrepreneurship and small business management; finance; and international business. It also offers a master of professional accountancy degree,master of science in innovation and management, a business certificate and an entrepreneurship certificate.

MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad helps MSU students succeed in entrepreneurship and in their careers. Open to students, faculty and alumni in all majors, the campus-based LaunchPad provides mentoring, opportunities for participants to grow their networks and resources to help their businesses succeed. For more information, visit montana.edu/launchpad/.

Eligibility & Application Process
Open to all Montana University System (MUS) affiliated campuses: undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and recent MUS system alumni (10 years or less).
Venture award winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) from previous MSU $50K or $75K Venture Competitions are not eligible to complete.
Venture must not have received any institutional funding (Venture Capital or Angel) at this time, but grants including SBIR/STTR or MSU/UM funding is allowed.
All types of ventures are welcome, including but not limited to new products, services, non-profit ventures, and social impact focus.

Application deadline is Sunday, April 7th, at 11:59 pm

APPLY HERE