Registration Deadline
15-Feb-2015 at 17:00 CST
Round Information
- Registration
Students begin by creating an account at http://mnsubigideas2014.istart.org. All participants will have the option to attend preparation workshops and receive individual consulting services from the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) to assist with developing their plan and pitch.
- Round Start Date
- 27-Oct-2014 03:16 PM
- Round End Date
- 31-Jan-2015 05:00 PM
Competition Awards
2 awards announced
The winners of this award have not been announced.
Competition Timeline
Registration
Students begin by creating an account at http://mnsubigideas2014.istart.org. All participants will have the option to attend preparation workshops and receive individual consulting services from the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) to assist with developing their plan and pitch.
- Update Applications*
- 27-Oct-2014 03:16 PM to 31-Jan-2015 08:00 AM
- Judging
- 31-Jan-2015 09:00 AM to 31-Jan-2015 05:00 PM
Round 1
First round requirements include submission of a 1-2 page pitch summary and a 1-2 minute video pitch via http://mnsubigideas2014.istart.org. Videos will not be judged upon technical production but the idea itself – this is an opportunity for judges to get to know the team and see the passion for your idea. Students will also be encouraged to post their video pitches and summaries on social media platforms such as facebook, you tube, twitter, kickstarter to generate buzz and feedback on idea. This round will consist of on-line judging. Submission period runs from Sunday, Feb 1st 8am CST – Sunday, Feb 15th at 11pm CST.
Final round contestants will be announced on Wednesday, March 4th
- Update Applications
- 01-Feb-2015 08:00 AM to 15-Feb-2015 05:00 PM
- Judging
- 16-Feb-2015 08:00 AM to 02-Mar-2015 05:00 PM
Round 2
Five teams will advance to the final round and will be paired with an expert coach most closely related to their business idea. The coach will assist with refining the business model and help prepare the team for the live presentation. The top 5 selected teams will submit a business model addressing the list of judging criteria. Teams can utilize Live Plan, The Business Model Canvas or formulate their own plan and submit to our judging panel via http://mnsubigideas2014.istart.org no later than Monday, April 13th at 5pm.
- Update Applications
- 04-Mar-2015 08:00 AM to 13-Apr-2015 05:00 PM
- Judging
- 14-Apr-2015 08:00 AM to 01-May-2015 03:00 PM
Times are in CST (-0600)

MNSU Big Ideas Challenge
Welcome MNSU Big Ideas Challenge participants. If you have not logged in before, please click the REGISTER button and follow the instructions. If you have already registered, please log in using your e-mail address and password.
The College of Business at Minnesota State University – Mankato is launching their first ever new venture competition in 2015 called The Big Ideas Challenge. The mission is to provide a platform to support, celebrate and promote the newest and most innovative business ideas from our students. The competition will be open to individuals or teams of current MNSU students from any discipline.
Winners will compete for up to $10,000 in prize money generously donated by alumnus Craig Lloyd of Lloyd Companies.
The kick off to The MSU Big Ideas Challenge will begin in November 2014. All students will have the opportunity to participate in a Big Ideas Launch series, connect with entrepreneurs through panel presentations, attend an entrepreneurial film festival, receive individual consulting services and engage in the spring Entrepreneurship & Innovation Day. Visit http://www.cobstudent.com/bigideas for complete details.