Notes from the Commons

The Fowler Business Concept Challenge is a great opportunity for UST students to explore your entrepreneurial ideas – while perhaps helping with tuition!  Do you have an idea for the next big product, service, or technology?  Then we want to hear more about it!

Who can participate?
It is open to all current (registered) graduate and undergraduate St. Thomas students, competing individually or in teams of no more than three students.

How does it work?

Students create and submit a five-page description of a concept for a new business explaining the product or service, the target customers, the value proposition to those customers and a description of the potential market, including size.  Form these submissions, finalists are selected to present their concept to a distinguished panel of judges drawn from the entrepreneurial, business and investment communities.  Review the detailed rules and procedures for more information.

What could it be worth to me?
The members of the winning teams in each division (graduate & undergraduate) will be awarded $10,000 scholarships, with $5,000 for runner-up, $2,500 for second runner-up and $1,000 for fourth place. $1,000 will be awarded to the best individual presenter in each division.

When does it take place?
Initial submissions are due on October 7^th, and finalists will be announced October 12^th.  Finalists will make their competition presentations on October 22^nd in Schulze Hall on the Minneapolis campus.

How can I learn more?
Visit the Fowler Business Concept Challenge website for details and attend Information Sessions to learn firsthand about the competition.  You can also contact Dr. David Deeds, Schulze Endowed Chair and professor of Entrepreneurship, at the University of St. Thomas Schulze School of Entrepreneurship at david.deeds@stthomas.edu or (651) 962-4407 for more information.