Students and recent graduates have a shot at thousands in awards as the eighth annual Proving Ground entrepreneurship competition kicks off at the Darla Moore School of Business.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can now register for the competition and submit their ideas until Feb. 23, 2018. Applicants will compete in three rounds of competition leading up the finale event in March.
Dean Kress of the Moore School's Faber Entrepreneurship Center, which runs the Proving Ground competition, explained that an earlier registration period is intended to boost participation and achievement.
“Our goal is to encourage innovation and grow entrepreneurs. That begins with an idea and then a developed business model," Kress said a release. “This year, we’re giving more time and support up front to ensure competitors have the best chance of winning The Proving Ground and ultimately, winning in the marketplace.”
The six finalists who make it to the finale will go head-to-head in a final round based on the ABC show "Shark Tank." Winners will have shot at $52,000 worth of cash prizes intended to fund their winning business concepts.
Students and young alumni that meet eligibility requirements can register online.