Could a College Student be the Next Steve Jobs?

Could a College of Charleston student be the next Steve Jobs or Richard Branson? The Center for Entrepreneurship is banking on it – offering up to $1,000 to the winner of a competition similar to ABC’s TV show “Shark Tank.” Open only to undergraduate and graduate students at the College of Charleston, the participants will present their business ideas to Charleston-area entrepreneurs on April 20, 2012 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Beatty Center, room 220 (5 Liberty St.).

The iGO Business Idea Competition is based on a three-minute elevator pitch about the product, service or charitable activity – no business plan is needed. The chance of winning improves if an individual/team’s idea has more potential to succeed in the real world.

“We would love to see students from all majors across campus participate,” says Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship David Desplaces, Ph. D. “This is a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded College of Charleston students to demonstrate their creativity. One of the biggest hurdles new entrepreneurs face is finding funding – iGO allows them to jump that hurdle and focus on creating.”

The individuals/teams will give a three-minute elevator pitch followed by a question and answer session in which successful business owners from the Lowcountry will serve as the judges.

The winner will receive $500 (plus an additional $500 if it’s going to stay in the Lowcountry), free legal advice for one year from John F. Martin, Attorney at Law (filing fees not included), and free accounting services for one year from John W. Malloney, CPA. The winner will also be assigned entrepreneurial mentor for one year.

For more information, contact David Desplaces, Ph.D, at desplacesd@cofc.edu or 843.953.6446.