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TOP DAWG Idea Pitch Competition

Competition Schedule

Entrant Information

Official Rules

Notice of Intent

Sponsors

Contact Information

FAQ

TOP DAWG New Venture Championship

Competition Schedule

Entrant Information

Official Rules

Notice of Intent

Sponsors

Contact Information

FAQ

 

The Louisiana Tech TOP DAWG New Venture Championship

 

What is the purpose of the New Venture Championship?

The Bulldog Entrepreneurs are presenting the Louisiana Tech New Venture Championship to foster interdisciplinary interaction, entrepreneurship, and innovation, among students at Louisiana Tech University.  Students enrolled in any Louisiana Tech college are encouraged to form teams, brainstorm new business ideas or innovations, and compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to present their ideas to a group of interested potential investors. 

Who is eligible to compete?

The TOP TEN winning teams that competed in the 2011 TOP DAWG Idea Pitch are eligible to compete in the 2012TOP DAWG New Venture Championship. Undergraduate, graduate students and recent alumni (within one year of graduation) may participate. Faculty members are not eligible to participate on the team. The number of members per team is limited to two to six members.  In order to have a stronger team, it is recommended, but not mandatory, that at least two different disciplines be represented on each team. Teams must not have started business operations as of January 1, 2012, or received funding beyond seed stage as of January 1, 2012. A student is not allowed to participate on more than one team.

Are there criteria for the type of business which may be planned?

“For Profit or Not For Profit” investment decks that include significant innovation in either a service or product offering typically score higher in the competition.  The innovation itself is NOT required to be the product.  For example, the innovation may enhance the delivery or availability of a particular product or service. All submitted businesses must be legal under Federal or State of Louisiana statutes and any other applicable law.

When and by whom will the final submitted investment decks be judged?

A committee consisting of experienced external business professionals will be the official judges for the competition.  The final round of judging will take place on April 17, 2012. 

The TOP DAWG New Venture Championship will be the birthplace of many innovative business enterprises which actually begin operations in Louisiana.  Accordingly, in addition to receiving cash prizes and in-kind support, the selected winners may have the opportunity to present their investment decks before groups of outside, prospective investors.    

What Pre-Competition Support and Mentoring will be available?

The following individuals will be available to advise and consult with all teams during the preparation process:

Deborah Inman
Coordinator of Entrepreneurial Studies
Louisiana Tech University
debinman@cab.latech.edu

Dr. Mark Barker
Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering
Louisiana Tech University
mbarker@latech.edu

Richard Kordal
Director of Intellectual Property and Commercialization
Louisiana Tech University
rkordal@latech.edu

Mentors for teams include:
Dr. Andrea Drake: adrake@latech.edu
Dr. Son Le: sle@latech.edu
Dr. Davy Norris: dnorris@latech.edu
Ms. Carol Shaver: cshaver@latech.edu
Ms. Kathy Wyatt: kwyatt@latech.edu

There are many sources available on the web and in libraries which provide models for preparing investment desks.  The Louisiana Tech Prescott Memorial Library has a special display containing business planning books/resources and a business planning resource webpage.  

 

Beta Alpha Psi tutors are available for accounting consultations. Session times TBA.

 

The Resource Page on the Bulldog Entrepreneurs website has useful marketing research information. http://be.latech.edu/Resources.htm

 

Thanks for your interest in Louisiana Tech’s TOP DAWG New Venture Championship, presented by Bulldog Entrepreneurs.  Good luck with your innovative enterprise and may the best plan win!

 

 
Bulldog Entrepreneurs

PO Box 10318, Ruston, Louisiana 71272

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