GSEA FAQs

Minnesota

Are you a part of the next generation of entrepreneurs in Minnesota?

GLOBAL STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS (GSEA) Minneapolis, MN - January 27, 2021 Network with your peers from around the world and learn from entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes.

The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) help you unlock your full potential as you start and build your entrepreneurial ventures. Make life-enhancing connections and engage in peer-to-peer learning as you compete through local and regional competitions.

Win your shot at competing with the best student entrepreneurs in the world at the GSEA Global Finals!

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You must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a recognized college or university Own a business that has been operational for at least six months, and Be principally responsible for the operation of the company at the time of application.

“GSEA has been life-changing for me. The entire experience has made me grow and realize how much it matters to understand who you are and what got you to where you are. If that fuels your motivation and drives you forward then it doesn’t matter how hard it gets.”

– Daniela Blanco, 2019 GSEA Global Champion, USA

Have what it takes?

Compete through local Minnesota and national competitions to win your shot at going head to head against the best student entrepreneurs in the world.

Apply Now! GSEA.ORG/Apply

Contact: Mike@BestTechnologyInc.com for more information

GSEA FAQs What is the GSEA? The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) help you unlock your full potential as you start and build your entrepreneurial ventures. Make life-enhancing connections and engage in peer-to-peer learning as you compete through local and regional competitions.

Win your shot at competing with the best student entrepreneurs in the world at the GSEA Global Finals.

The unique differentiator between the GSEA and other entrepreneurship competitions is that judging of GSEA is 70% focused on the entrepreneur itself and propensity to succeed as a career in entrepreneurship and 30% is on the current business they are working on.

The GSEA is sponsored by the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). EO is a high-quality support network of 15,500+ like-minded leaders across 63 countries. We help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential through the power of life-enhancing connections, shared experiences and collaborative learning.

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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 student business. Each company can be represented by only one owner/co-founder - studentpreneur.

Your student 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 final round competitors 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 off before beginning their postgraduate education.

What prizes are available for GSEA? Prizes are generally a combination of cash and business services and will vary by location. At the Global Finals, students compete for a total prize package of US $50,000 in cash and first place receives US $25,000. All travel and lodging expenses are also paid. 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?

• Feedback and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.

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Refined storytelling. Going head-to-head with other business owners and answering tough questions about your business from our judges helps you improve your pitch skills as a student entrepreneur and enhances your ability to communicate the value proposition of your business.

Expanded networks. You will meet other student entrepreneurs from around the world, as well as Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) members and our honored guests.

Media Exposure. You will receive local and national media attention for yourself and your business.

Prizes. The total value of all prizes, gifts and services for all student competitors at the GSEA Global Finals is nearly half a million dollars.

What is the judging criteria?

The criteria for our student entrepreneur competition is split into two parts and focuses primarily on your journey as an entrepreneur.

Part 1: Evaluation of the Student Entrepreneur 1. The student entrepreneur demonstrates the tenacious spirit needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. They have encountered challenges, overcome them, and learned from their mistakes.

2. The student entrepreneur is effectively integrating the two roles of life – as a student AND a business owner.

3. The student demonstrates a desire to build a better tomorrow. They aim to improve a process or solve a problem with motivations not solely based on driving profits.

4. 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. They are true to self, demonstrating vulnerability and openness, and are trustworthy.

5. EO Core Value #2 – Thirst for Learning – The student is seeking out expert advice and wisdom, and proactively growing his/her own knowledge. They are naturally curious.

6. EO Core Value #3 – Think Big, Be Bold – The student is taking smart risks and evolving to meet changing circumstances. They aim to make positive change.

7. 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. They value diversity and inclusivity in life and business.

Part 2: Evaluate the Student Business 1. Has the student demonstrated a knowledge of strong business fundamentals? Have they 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 student business show strong potential for future growth?

How to Apply: Students can apply at https://gsea.org/apply until January 10th, 2022.

For questions and to get help with your submission, contact Mike Bangasser at 612.392.2414 x100 or by email at Mike@BestTechnologyInc.com.

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