Ohio Wesleyan University to Launch Entrepreneurial Competition

DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University plans to launch an annual Business Plan Competition this summer with a combined prize package of more than $250,000.

“The Ohio Wesleyan University Business Plan Competition enables us to support entrepreneurs of all ages, across more communities, as we work to cement OWU as a hub for innovation and a home base for founders – not only for Delaware, but also for Columbus, for Ohio and for the United States,” said university President Matt VandenBerg, who announced the competition Tuesday at The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University.

“This competition will recognize up-and-coming entrepreneurs and reward their potential with prizes that include financial investment and other transformative resources, including access to our on-campus entrepreneurial center,” VandenBerg said. “The winners will incubate in the DEC OWU, growing Delaware’s reputation as a talent magnet along with their businesses. This is an exciting new chapter for OWU, Delaware and entrepreneurs everywhere.”

The OWU Business Plan Competition will include both a student track, open to all current college students, and a community track, open to all others. First-, second- and third-place winners in both categories will be awarded a combination of products, services and investments to propel them forward, including access to The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center and its resources.

Phil Smith, the center’s director, said those interested in participating in the competition will go through a preliminary round of judging using an online application opening July 1. The most promising businesses will move forward based on criteria such as completeness of their business plan, existing funding and potential impact of their product or service.

“Participants will gain real-world experience, receive expert advice and discover their path forward to make their startup dream a reality,” Smith said. “This is an exciting moment for The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center and for all entrepreneurs ready to make their mark.”

More information about the competition will be posted online HERE.

Pictured at top: Ohio Wesleyan University President Matt VandenBerg announces the new Business Plan Competition.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.