Gustie Entrepreneur CupStudent Entrepreneurship Competition - Saturday, April 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 and Key Dates

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.

  • Information/Ideation Sessions (In-person and online): Jan 23 - Feb 19
  • Start-up Labs (In-person and online): Jan 28 - Mar 5 
  • 1:1 Coaching Sessions with Alumni/Entrepreneurs: Feb 15 - Mar 12 (see requirements below)
  • Gustie Cup Applications Due:  Mar 14
  • Gustie Cup Application Decisions Announced: Mar 19
  • Final Prep/Pitch Practice for Selected Participants: Mar 20 - April 8

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 here if you plan to attend any of the sessions so we can plan accordingly.

- 1 -
Info/Ideation Sessions
Click here to RSVP (Coming soon)

Session Dates/Times:
Thurs, Jan 23 (10:30 - 11:30 am)  Beck 144
Fri, Jan 24 (3:00 - 4:00 pm) Online
Tues, Jan 28 (3:00 - 4:00 pm) Beck 144
Wed, Jan 29 (noon - 1:00 pm)  Beck 144
Sun, Feb 2 (7:00 - 8:00 pm) Online
Wed, Feb 19 (5:00 - 6:00 pm)  Beck 144

Attend for a chance to win giveaways from Gustie Alumni Entrepreneurs!

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

Click here to RSVP (Coming soon)

Session Dates/Times:
Tues, Jan 28 (6:00 - 7:30 pm) Beck 144
Fri, Jan 31 (3:30 - 5:00 pm) Online
Wed, Feb 5 (7:00 - 8:30 pm) Online
Thurs, Feb 6 (1:30 - 3:00 pm) Beck 144
 
Tues, Feb 11 (5:30 - 7:00 pm) Beck 144
Wed, Feb 12 (12:00 - 1:30 pm) Beck 144
Wed, Feb 12 (5:30 - 7:00 pm) Beck 144
Mon, Feb 17 (7:00 - 8:30 pm) Online
Wed, Feb 19 (5:30 - 7:00 pm) Beck 144
Wed, Feb 26 (7:00 - 8:30 pm) Online
Wed, Mar 5* (3:30 - 5:00 pm) Online

Pizza will be provided for
in-person sessions

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 assess additional information and resources 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 
1:1 via phone or online

Timing/Logistics: 
Application worksheets must be submitted no later than Feb 18 to be matched with a Gustie Cup coach. Students will be introduced via email to their coach on Feb 20, and should plan on meeting 2-3 times before Mar 12. 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 - 14

About: This is a great opportunity to seek advice from a matched Alumni coach or local entrepreneur to refine your business idea in to the application. To be considered for this opportunity, your Application Worksheet must be filled out in its entirety to the best of your ability. Students will set up the meetings based on availability and should facilitate the conversation. Coaches will serve in an advisory role by asking thoughtful questions, sharing industry experience, and providing additional information/resources. More details are included in the Application Worksheet (see Quick Links on this webpage). 

- 4 -
Pitch Practice/Final Prep for Selected Gustie Cup Contestants
Beck Hall 144 / Online

Session Dates/Times:
Late March /Early April - Dates coming soon

About: Once all applications have been received by midnight on Mar 14, the committee will select 10-14 application to proceed to the Gustie Cup competition. All students who submit applications will be notified by Mar 20 if they are proceeding to compete in the Cup.

Selected participants will be invited to attend one Pitch Practice panel session. 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

  • 9:00 am - Registration 
  • 9:30 am - Welcome/Overview
  • 9:45 am - Pitch Presentations
  • 12:15 (estimated time) - Judging Deliberation & simple buffet lunch for attendees (wraps)
  • 12:45 - Prediction contest for attendees
  • 1:15 (estimated time) - Awards Ceremony & Prediction Contest Prizes
  • 1:30/45 - Social gathering for all attendees - Paddlefish Brewery, St. Peter