Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) 2018/19 (Fully-funded to Macau, China)

Deadline: Varies by Country

Applications are open for Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s Global Student Entrepreneur Awards 2019. The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is the premier global competition for students who own and operate a business while attending college or university.

EO GSEA supports student entrepreneurs who require much needed mentorship, recognition and connections to take their businesses to the next level of success. Founded in 1998 by Saint Louis University, GSEA is now an Entrepreneurs’ Organization program.

Nominees compete against their peers from around the world in a series of local and/or national competitions in hopes to qualify for GSEA Finals. Qualifying competitions are held in cities and countries worldwide, with the 2019 Global Finals competition being held in Macau, China.

Prizes

At the Global Finals, students compete for a prize package of US$20,000 in cash and a total value of over $40,000, which includes a travel/lodging expense paid trip to compete in GSEA Finals in Macau, China. Second place will receive US$10,000 and third place will receive US$5,000.

Additional awards are given at the Global Finals for Social Impact, Innovation, and Lessons from the Edge.

How do the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards help student business owners?

• Access to successful entrepreneurs. Feedback. Mentorship.
• Refined elevator pitches. Going head to head with other business owners and answering tough questions about their business to our judges helps competitors improve their pitch skills and enhance their ability to communicate the value proposition of their business.
• Expanded networks. Competitors will meet other student entrepreneurs from around the world, as well as Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) members and our honored guests.
• Media Exposure. Competitors will receive local and national media attention for themselves and their business.
• Did we mention PRIZES? The Global Finals competition awards a total of US$50,000, plus donated business products and services, including Web services, printing, PR, consulting and more!

Eligibility

Open to undergraduate and graduate* college/university students who own and operate a business for at least six months. The local chapters of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) will host live competitions at the local and/or national level, which will serve as a qualifying event for GSEA Finals in April 2019.

• You must be enrolled in a university/college as an undergraduate or graduate* student at the time of application. Full-time enrollment is not required; part-time enrollment is acceptable.
• You must be the owner, founder or controlling shareholder of your company and principally responsible for its operation. Each company can be represented by only one owner/co-founder.
• Operation of a for-profit business or social enterprise, for at least six months prior to the application with generated revenue of US$500 or US$1,000 in investment/backing.
• You should not have been one of the top finalists, competing in the final round competition, from any previous year’s GSEA Global Finals Competition.
• The age cap for participation is 30 years of age.

Graduate students are eligible to apply only if they have continually enrolled in a university following their undergraduate degree and not left school to work on their business or to seek other employment. Exceptions can be made for students who have taken up to one academic year break before beginning their postgraduate education.

Judging Criteria

For the Entrepreneur:

1. Does the student demonstrate the tenacious spirit needed to succeed as an entrepreneur? Has he/she encountered challenges, overcome them, and learned from mistakes?
2. Is the student effectively integrating the two roles of life – as a student AND a business owner?
3. EO Core Value #1 – Boldly Go – Is the student taking smart risks and evolving to meet changing circumstances?
4. EO Core Value #2 – Thirst for Learning – Is the student seeking out expert advice and wisdom, and proactively growing their own knowledge? Are they naturally curious?
5. EO Core Value #3 – Make a Mark – Is the student innovating, planning for the future and distinguishing him/herself from the field? Is he/she taking a long view rather than just quick wins?
6. EO Core Value #4 – Trust and Respect – Has the student demonstrated an appropriate degree of trust and respect in his/her interactions with the judges? Is he/she showing their true self, demonstrating vulnerability and openness? Would you find him/her trustworthy?
7. EO Core Value #5 – Cool – Does the student have a unique personal identity that he/she brings to the business? Is the business in alignment with his/her identity and values? Do they come across as confident and genuine?

For the Business:

1. Has the student demonstrated a knowledge of strong business fundamentals and shown that they are in practice in the business? Has he/she provided information relating to the growth, revenue and profit of the business?
2. Has the student effectively communicated the business and its vision?
3. Does the business show strong potential for future growth?

Application

Click here to apply.

For more information, visit EO GSEA.