Application Period Open for 26th Annual John P. Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition

Applications are now open for the University of Wyoming’s 26th annual John P. Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition, where student teams will compete for more than $70,000 in prize money. 

The competition encourages college students across Wyoming to pursue their own business ideas to build Wyoming’s economic environment. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5. 

UW and Wyoming community college students, on the undergraduate and graduate levels, are invited to compete for over $70,000 in cash prizes to help further develop their businesses. The competition, in partnership with the Ellbogen Foundation, strives to bring economic development to the state through students.

“This is a statewide initiative,” says Sarah Drewry, entrepreneurship and venture initiatives coordinator at the UW College of Business. “We get volunteers and resources from the community that are interested in entrepreneurship and helping students stay, find jobs, build businesses and diversify our economy.”

The competition features three rounds. Round one is an executive summary application. Round two is a virtual pitch and a written business concept. Finally, those selected for round three will compete in the final presentation, which will take place Friday, May 1. 

In addition to the monetary prize, the teams in the third round will be paired with experienced mentors and attend workshops to refine their business models, marketing strategies and financial plans. 

Last year, eight teams completed the third round, and the winners received more than $75,000 to develop their businesses. The winning team focused on bringing a wheat mill to Wyoming to keep agricultural production in the state.

Teams interested in competing should apply at www.ellbogen50k.org/apply/.

For more information, email entr@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-4158.