Business Idea Competition

2023 Business Idea Competition Orientation Sessions: 

• Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 3:00pm in de Francesco, Room 201
• Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 11:00am in de Francesco, Room 201

Submit your business idea here by October 11, 2023 (see Competition Rules)

Finalists will be notified via email by October 20, 2023 

November 15, 2023: KU Business Idea Competition, 5:00 p.m. in de Francesco, Room 101
(Finalists make their presentations to a panel of judges) 

Winners will be eligible to participate in the State System Startup Challenge

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

All finalists will be encouraged to participate in the State System Startup Challenge.

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) 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