Saïd Business School Launches Global Entrepreneur Challenge
Students at University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School have launched a student-led global business plan competition called the Saïd Global Entrepreneur Challenge (SGEC). Created by members from the class of 2012, the SGEC is designed to deliver business learning to the entrants and to grow new businesses that can deliver job creation and wealth.
In addition to a cash prize of £2,000 ($3,120), the winners will have access to the knowledge and expertise of Oxford MBA students and alumni, as well as the entrepreneurship resources of Oxford Entrepreneurs, the university’s student entrepreneurship society. To enter, teams should submit a one-page business plan by the first round deadline of January 30, 2012.
Submissions will be assessed by Oxford’s business students and alumni and a shortlist compiled from six global regions broadly categorized into countries in and around: India, China, Other Asian-Pacific Nations, The Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Winners from these six global regions will be eligible to apply to the Saïd Business School Venture Fund Competition to pitch for investment.
Simon Huleatt, one of the competition’s founders, says “The Saïd Global Entrepreneur Challenge is an expression of the values that attract students to the Saïd Business School – international diversity, entrepreneurship and the use of new business to create employment opportunities.”
The shortlisted teams will be paired with an Oxford MBA mentor (either a current student or alumnus) with relevant geographic and industry experience. Each mentor will then work with their team to further develop a robust 10-page business plan that addresses feasibility, market demand, competitive strategy, financial forecasts and capital requirements.
The final six will then have the opportunity to present their business plans to a panel of financial experts via video-conferencing and the Global SGEC winner will be announced.
“The benefits to teams entering this competition are significant,” Huleatt explains. “Besides being mentored by Saïd’s students to build knowledge and experience in new business development, the applicants will have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs, not only from Oxford University, but from around the globe through the alumni network with the advantages that can bring.”
