The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Rider University will award scholarships and cash prizes to New Jersey high school students for the first annual business concept competition this year.
The competition is organized by Dr. Lee J. Zane, an entrepreneur and professor who serves as the program director for entrepreneurial studies at Rider University.
“This first year we are piloting the competition with ten high schools along with any other individual student who wishes to enter. Assuming all goes well, we hope to obtain funding/resources to expand the competition for subsequent years,” said Dr. Zane.
Participants will submit a business concept that, in 300 words or less, clearly identifies a product or service, the market being targeted, the wants and needs of the market that will be fulfilled and the method of delivering the product or service to the customer.
Five finalists will present their concepts to a panel of judges at Rider University. The top three finalists will receive a two-year $1,000 annual scholarship to attend Rider University as an entrepreneurial studies major. The top two finalists will also receive cash prizes of $1000 and $500. Fourth and fifth place finalists will receive a two-year $500 annual scholarship. All five finalists will receive a plaque and several hours of mentoring.
“In addition to the student awards, we plan to provide a trophy for the winning high schools. I would love to see the trophy placed in the school’s showcase next to the football and other trophies. Imagine, high school students aspiring to win a business oriented trophy,” says Zane.
Eligible participants must be sophomores, juniors or seniors attending a New Jersey high school with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. The deadline for submission is April 15, 2015.
For a more detailed description of the business concept presentation go to: http://www.rider.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-business-administration/centers-excellence/center-entrepreneuri-6
