Deadline: Varies by Location
Applications are open for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (EO GSEA) 2021/2022. The GSEA is the premier global competition for students who own and operate a business while attending college or university.
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. Founded in 1998 by Saint Louis University, GSEA is now an Entrepreneurs’ Organization program.
Prizes
Prizes are generally a combination of cash and business services and will vary by location.
- At the Global Finals, students compete for a prize package of US$25,000 in cash and a total value of over $40,000, which includes a travel/lodging expense paid trip to compete in the Global Finals. 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.
Eligibility
- You must be enrolled for the current academic year 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.
- Your business must have been in operation for at least six consecutive months prior to the application.
- Your business must have generated US $500 or received US $1000 in investments at the time of application.
- You should not have been one of the top seven finalists from any previous year’s GSEA Global Finals Competition.
- The age cap for participation is 30 years of age.
Judging Criteria
Part 1: Evaluate the Entrepreneur
- The student demonstrates the tenacious spirit needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. He/she has encountered challenges, overcome them, and learned from his/her mistakes.
- The student is effectively integrating the two roles of life – as a student AND a business owner.
- The student demonstrates a desire to build a better tomorrow. He/she aims to improve a process or solve a problem with motivations not solely based on driving profits.
- EO Core Value #1 – Trust and Respect – The student has demonstrated an appropriate degree of trust
and respect in his/her interactions with the judges. He/she is true to self, demonstrating vulnerability and openness. You find him/her to be trustworthy. - EO Core Value #2 – Thirst for Learning – The student is seeking out expert advice and wisdom, and proactively growing his/her own knowledge. He/she is naturally curious.
- EO Core Value #3 – Think Big, Be Bold – The student is taking smart risks and evolving to meet changing circumstances. He/she aims to make positive change.
- EO Core Value #4 – Together We Grow – The student is open-minded, adds value to the entrepreneurial community and is committed to helping others grow. He/she values diversity and inclusivity in life and business.
Part 2: Evaluate the Business
- 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?
- Has the student effectively communicated the business and its vision?
- Does the business show strong potential for future growth?
Application
Deadlines vary by location. When you select your competition on the application, you will see the local deadline.
For more information, visit GSEA.
