Student entrepreneurs compete for $10,000

It will be much like the TV show “Shark Tank” when area students pitch their best business plans in front of area experts. The next generation of entrepreneurs will put their ideas to the test, competing for $10,000 in cash prizes at Grand Valley State University’s fifth annual Business Plan Competition.

The competition gives entrepreneurial students the chance to think through business opportunities that interest them, prepare a business plan around those ideas, and learn the fine art of pitching ideas to investors. The competition will showcase a variety of business plans which are ready for launch.

The event, sponsored by Seidman College of Business’ Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, will take place on March 25. Nine students will present their business plans. Contestants have 10 minutes to pitch their business model, and what it will take to get their business up-and-running.

GVSU Business Plan Competition
March 25
6 p.m.
Loosemore Auditorium
Pew Grand Rapids Campus
The event is free and open to the public

The judging panel includes:   
•    Erik Hall, founder of Lee Shore Ventures
•    Jeff Royce, executive director of West Michigan SmartZone
•    Laura Vaughn, founder of Sitting In A Tree
•    Mike Marsiglia, vice president of Atomic Object
•    Miles Smith, president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization

The audience will have the opportunity to participate in the judging process through the Buzz Award which utilizes social media to encourage fans to be engaged and vote for their favorite team. The winner of the competition will move on to the regional competition at Grand Valley on April 9.

Students pitching their ideas are:
•    Eric Dudek  “On-The-Go RFID”
•    Jason Sissing  “Twist-Top”
•    Credell Jackson  “IDEA Marketing & Promotions”
•    Jeff Johnson  “SolarBOX”
•    Tyler D. Petersen  “Tie Medical Supplies”
•    Ulandra Reynolds  “All Things Weaved”
•    Tyler Richardson  “BioInteract”
•    Austin Dean  “Collective Metrics”

For more information contact Grand Valley’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at (616) 331-7582.