WSU Students to Pitch Business Ideas for $1,000 Prize

October 9, 2015

OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University’s Hall Global Entrepreneurship Center and Weber State Credit Union are teaming up to make three Wildcats’ dreams happen — in 90 seconds. On Oct. 16 at noon in the Shepherd Union Fireplace Lounge, students will have one minute and 30 seconds to present their business ideas for a chance to win up to $1,000.

All WSU students enrolled in at least six credit hours, regardless of major, have a shot at the $1,000 prize to help fund their business ideas. The second place winner will go home with $500, and the third place winner will receive $250. All three winners will be entered in January’s Opportunity Quest competition, where they will compete for $5,000.

This year’s judges include entrepreneur and investor Alan Hall, Roger Dickson, director of community engagement at Weber State Credit Union, and Patrick Thomas, WSU patent attorney in the tech commercialization department. The judges will choose the winning project based on viability, creativity and originality. Applications, due Oct. 7, will be whittled down to the 15 most polished ideas. In 2014, the contest’s first year, about 25 students entered.

Dave Noack, director of WSU’s Hall Global Entrepreneurship Center, said that the “elevator pitch” contest provides students with the opportunity to share an idea quickly with the possibility of winning cash to help turn the idea into reality.

“We hope this contest provides a spark for the students and the community by providing just a little extra incentive to start a business that will directly impact the local economy,” he said. “People wanting to start a business are often afraid or too busy to share the idea, but a contest gives them a platform and motivation to put their thoughts into action.”

Last year’s grand prize winner, Parker Alan, shared his idea for a machine that would make painting basketball courts cheaper, faster and easier. The other two winners, Chase Saxton and Chase Burch, proposed web outsourcing and a hot sauce company, respectively.

Participating in the contest isn’t just easy funding, according to Noack. “It takes guts for students to stand in front of an audience and highly qualified judges and share an idea they likely developed all on their own,” he said, “I can’t say enough about the courage it takes to do that.”

While some students will need to rework their ideas, others will realize they are on to something special. “For some, this confidence is all they need to take off as an entrepreneur,” Noack said. “Every competitor will come away a little more confident and a little more experienced.”

The public is invited to attend the pitch contest.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Ivonne Dabb, marketing specialist
801-626-7439 • ivonnedabb@weber.edu

 

Contact:

Dave Noack, director, Hall Global Entrepreneurship Center
(801) 626-6079 • davidnoack@weber.edu