Deadline: 30 September 2016
Global Entrepreneurship Network is currently accepting applications for its Startup Open 2016 global competition that is open to entrepreneurs from any industry with a new business that has yet to raise any outside capital from angel investors, venture capital firms or other formal sources of seed funding.
The competition is organized on Global Entrepreneurship Network’ (GEN) Startup Compete platform to identify, connect and recognize promising young startups around the world.
Prizes
- One winner of Startup Open receives an all expenses paid trip to Johannesburg, South Africa where they will receive VIP delegate credentials to the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in March 2017.
- In addition to the Grand Prize GEC experience, all 10 finalists gain a spot in GEN Starters Club, with additional chances there to travel to Johannesburg for GEC 2016.
Rules
- All applications must be submitted in English.
- Applications will be accepted from July 1, 2016, until September 30, 2016.
- Applications will only be accepted online through the Startup Compete platform or through an officially approved National Competition.
- It is not required that a startup be incorporated, but a company cannot be incorporated over 18 months to compete.
- Applicants must be starting a for-profit company, or a non-profit that does not rely on grants.
- Applicant’s startup must be pre-money, no venture funding, at time of application.
Judges
- The winners will be selected by a panel of judges who are looking at a range of criteria including growth potential, passion, creativity, level of idea development, and their pitching skills.
- Each judge’s score is weighed equally.
Eligibility Criteria
- YES Stand-up phase when individuals or groups are equipped with the entrepreneurial attitudes and skills to attempt the creation of new company.
- YES Start-up phase when resources are mobilized and regulatory requirements fulfilled to start a new company.
- NO Scale-up phase when successful companies expand their businesses to new markets or in innovative ways.
- NO Exit phase when a business owner or an investor decides to cash out an investment made in the past through trade sale or merger with a larger player in the industry (merger and acquisitions), secondary sales to third parties or initial public offerings (IPOs).
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply via website.
For more information, please visit Global Entrepreneurship Network.