Duquesne New Venture Challenge to Award Entrepreneurs with More than $100,000 in Cash and Prizes

“We’re so excited to see the innovation and enthusiasm that entrepreneurs will bring to the competition this year,” said Staci Offutt, director for Duquesne’s Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship. “With more than $100,000 in cash and service prizes on the line, we look forward to meeting the competitors and learning more about their businesses.”

Applicants can consist of an individual or teams of up to five individuals. Business ideas must be established within four years prior to the DNVC’s application deadline. 

“Entering its sixth year, the DNVC has firmly established itself as a premier, difference-making business plan competition in our region,” said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. “Our winner last year was named as one of the top startups to watch in our area, and I strongly encourage entrepreneurs seeking cash, expert guidance and greater visibility to enter. If you're ready for bigger goals and want to take your business to the next level, the DNVC is your opportunity to make those aspirations a reality."

The competition’s three phases include:

Stage I: Entrants submit a short summary of their business along with a one-minute video pitch via YouTube. Up to three teams will be selected for the top video pitches, and $1,500 will be awarded to the winner. Up to 15 semi-finalists will advance to Stage II.

Stage II: Semi-finalists will submit an executive summary, short business plan and five-minute video pitch. Each semi-finalist will receive $1,000 and access to the Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship’s makerspace and associated resources to support their product development.

Stage III: Up to five finalists will submit detailed business plans. They also will deliver a 15-minute presentation to a panel of seasoned judges followed by a Q&A session. Cash prizes totaling more than $40,000 will be awarded to these teams with the winning team receiving $20,000.

The top three finalists will receive additional prizes and support, including legal services via the Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, business consulting services from Duquesne’s Small Business Development Center and advisement meetings with Palumbo-Donahue School of Business entrepreneurship program leaders.

Learn more and submit an entry to the DNVC. 

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of more than 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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