Business Idea Competition

2024 Business Idea Competition Orientation Sessions: 

• Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 3:00 pm in de Francesco, Room 107
• Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 11:00 am in de Francesco, Room 201

Submit your business idea here by October 11, 2024 (see Competition Rules)

Finalists will be notified via email by October 30, 2024 

November 20, 2024: KU Business Idea Competition, 5:00 p.m. in de Francesco, Room 101
(Finalists make their presentations to a panel of judges) 

1. Competition is open to all current KU undergraduate students
2. Students may compete individually or as a team (not to exceed 4 members)
3. Attend an Orientation Session (see Competition Timeline)
4. Submit a written business idea (only one submission per student or team, 2-3 typed pages see Submission Guidelines)
5. Finalists will compete via a 3-5 minute live presentation before a panel of judges, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A
6. Professional attire required for all finalists

1. Submit a written description of your idea for a business or non-profit organization in the form of a 2-3 page typed paper in Times New Roman font (12 pt) double spaced with 1" margins
2. Also include a cover page with the name of the business and the name(s) and the student ID(s) of the student(s)
3. Save your Word document with your first and last name and your student ID number
4. Each submission must reflect a new business idea
5. Each submission should contain the following:
   • Name of Business
   • What is the real-world goal of your business?
   • Who will be your target market?
   • Describe the type of business (on-line, service based, manufacturing, non-profit organization, etc.)... Explain.
   • Describe how you will promote and market the product or service.
   • How will the business be financed?
   • What will be the structure of your organization? (Sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or non-profit)

1. Visit the Small Business Development Center's Pitch Then Plan page
2. Become a Small Business Development Center client using this form
3. For help with professional attire visit the Career Development Center Career Closet