Gustie Entrepreneur CupStudent Entrepreneurship Competition - Sat, Apr 12, 2025

The Gustie Entrepreneur Cup brings together student entrepreneurs in an innovative and collaborative pitch competition that showcases the creative spirit that Gustavus students bring to their startup endeavors. Here at Gustavus, we find that great ideas are usually created by trial and error, collaboration, and working in an innovative space that supports ongoing learning and development in a community of entrepreneurial peers and mentors. Students identify real problems and opportunities, find realistic solutions, use insightful data, and integrate important research to develop a strong business model. 

How it Works 

The Gustie Entrepreneur Cup is sponsored by the Center for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership (CIEL), and supported by Gustie alumni, special grants, and community partners. Throughout the Gustie Cup process, students are strongly encouraged to participate in various sessions and workshops where they can contribute their ideas, talents, and innovative thinking to address complex challenges. Participants engage with faculty, coaches, and alumni mentors to support students in developing their ideas into feasible, scalable, and sustainable business models.

Competition Categories and Seed Money Prizes

There are two categories for the competition: 
 - Scalable Category: This is for innovative ideas that are scalable to larger and broader markets
 - Sustainable Category: This is for business ideas that satisfy strategic community-based needs and/or provide a student with a livelihood after graduation.

Within these two categories, entries can be pitched as a business/for-profit venture or a non-profit organization. The winning business idea in the Scalable Category automatically advances to the semi-finals of the Minnesota Cup. However, all students are encouraged to apply to the Minnesota Cup between March 10 - April 11.

Program Details and Participation Requirements

Leading up to the Gustie Cup, students have the opportunity to participate in guided sessions to leverage tools and resources that will help develop their innovative ideas. Participation in sessions and labs is strongly encouraged, but not required, to apply to the Gustie Cup Competition.

Please RSVP for the Info/Ideation Sessions and Start-up Labs so we can plan accordingly.

Gustie_Cup_5_steps 

- 1 -
Info/Ideation Sessions
Fri, Jan 24 - Wed, Feb 26
Click here for dates and to RSVP 

About: 
Learn more about the Gustie Cup, available resources, support, and working sessions, leading up to the competition on Sat, Apr 12, 2025. This is your chance to ask questions without committing to the application. This session also focuses on ideation - how to identify opportunities and shape ideas to start a business or non-profit organization.

Requirements:
First-year students through seniors from all majors are encouraged to attend this session and participate in the Gustie Cup. 
- 2 -
Start-up Labs
Fri, Jan 31 - Thurs, Mar 13
Click here for dates and to RSVP

About: This is a space for entrepreneurial exploration. The Start-up Lab is a confidential learning space where you can explore ideas, trends, and possibilities, and begin to build a business plan. We will help you identify additional information and resources that might be needed to assess the feasibility of your idea and how to put together a strong application (using the worksheet). You will leave this session with a solid framework and tools to continue shaping your business idea and plan. Attend as many labs as you wish.
- 3 -
Gustie Cup Coaching Sessions 
Feb 24 - Mar 17
1:1 via phone or online

Timing/Logistics: 
Coaches will serve in an advisory role by asking thoughtful questions, sharing industry experience, and providing additional information/ resources. Application worksheet drafts must be submitted by Feb 24 to be matched with a Gustie Cup coach. Students will be introduced via email to their coach by Feb 28, and should plan on meeting 1-2 times before Mar 17. Meetings will take place online or over the phone (or in person if logistically possible).

**IMPORTANT **
Gustie Cup Competition Applications will be accepted between Mar 1 - 18
- 4 -
Pitch Practice/Final Prep for Selected Gustie Cup Contestants
Mar 24 - 30

Click here for dates and to RSVP

Competition Selection:
Once all applications have been received by midnight on Mar 18, the committee will select 8-12 applications to proceed to the Gustie Cup competition. All students who submit applications will be notified by Mar 21 if they are proceeding to compete in the Cup.

About Pitch Practice Sessions: 
Selected participants will be invited to attend one Pitch Practice Kick-off session with Tara Cadenhead and then a practice session with a panel of Alumni. In this online live presentation, you will present your pitch to a handful of new coaches and continue refining your pitch so you feel even more confident at the Gustie Cup. Coaches will give you feedback to help you share the right level of detail and anticipate questions that may be asked at the competition. 
- 5 -
Gustie Cup
Beck Hall Atrium
 Saturday, April 12, 2025

Event Schedule

  • 8:30 am - Judges & Contestants arrive
  • 9:00 am - Registration 
    Coffee, tea, fruit & bagel bar will be served
  • 9:30 am - Welcome/Overview
  • 9:45 am - Pitch Presentations
  • 12:15 (estimated time) - Judging Deliberation 

    Networking & Prediction contest for attendees
  • 1:00 (estimated time) - Awards Ceremony & Prediction Contest Prizes
  • 1:15/1:30 - Social gathering for all attendees - Paddlefish Brewery, St. Peter