COUNTDOWN

New Entries for 2025 Tournament

Time is Running Out—Enter by March 14!

Don’t miss your chance to turn your big idea into a winning venture! The SOU Business Venture Tournament isn’t just for business majors—it’s for innovators, creators, and problem-solvers from all disciplines. Whether you're passionate about art, technology, science, or social impact, your unique perspective could make all the difference. Submit your entry today and take the first step toward funding your vision!
Submit your proposal by the deadline:

Click for Entry Form!

Take the Leap—Join the Challenge Today!

This is your moment to make an impact. The SOU Business Venture Tournament is your platform to showcase creativity, solve real-world problems, and compete for exciting prizes. No matter your major or background, if you’ve got an idea, we’ve got the stage. Don’t wait—register now and bring your vision to life!
Learn About This Project

OPPORTUNITY

Make Your Idea Reality

Big Ideas, Big Rewards!

The annual SOU Business Venture Tournament is your chance to bring bold ideas to life and compete for cash prizes, including $3,000 for first place, $700 for second, $250 for third, and $500 for the most sustainable venture. Whether your inspiration comes from a class project, capstone, or a personal passion, this tournament is open to all undergraduate students across all degree programs at Southern Oregon University.

This exciting competition challenges you to Think Big and pursue ideas that could one day change the world. Through the free mandatory Venture Workshop, you’ll learn the essentials of turning an idea into a viable business, from proof-of-concept to market research, promotion, and presentation.

This exciting competition challenges you to Think Big and pursue ideas that could one day change the world. Through the mandatory Venture Workshop, you’ll learn the essentials of turning an idea into a viable business, from proof-of-concept to market research, promotion, and presentation.

By participating, you’ll gain invaluable, hands-on experience that mirrors the real-world process of seeking venture capital. It’s a unique, fun, and rewarding opportunity to develop your entrepreneurial skills, network with peers, and take the first step toward turning your vision into reality. Winning isn’t just about the prize money—it’s about building something extraordinary.

Choose a Topic and browse this website to learn more!

Choose a Topic

General Timeline

Winter Term 2025

Students consider ideas and submit the entry form by February 7, 2025 extended to February 21, 2025.
Supportive courses are discussed with an advisor or Tournament Master.

Participants begin preparation for the competition in the free mandatory Tournament Workshop starting March 3, 2025.

Students attend tutorials and receive training for the Tournament projects. The 1-minute pitch, business venture plan, and final presentation begin development.

Spring Term 2025

Participants complete the one-minute pitch and begin a marketing campaign for student votes, which count for 20% of the competition’s scoring. The business venture plan and final presentation are finalized.

June 2025

Final Competition and Awards Gala. Date: TBA
Small business mentors, resources & networking!

Awards are presented to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Sustainability Winners

Tournament Entry

All students enrolled at SOU in the academic year 2024-2025 are eligible to participate. Venture start-up ideas do not require full development for entry. The workshop will help students develop the idea during Winter and Spring terms with guidance for each Tournament project.

Note: The Tournament does not substitute for program degree graduation requirements.

Tournament Entry
Required Deliverables

Participants must submit three projects for judging:

  • Formal Business Venture Plan
    The plan defines the idea, product, or service and reports supportive research.
  • 1-minute recorded video “Pitch”
    The pitch is uploaded to the Tournament Voting Platform. Students then use social media to market the pitch and gain student votes for their idea!
  • Final Presentation
    Students present the venture plan to judges and share their passion for the idea with supporting evidence of marketability.
Tournament Deliverables
Guidance and Training

The Tournament Workshop provides free resources and training to all contestants. The mandatory free Tournament Workshop begins sessions in February 2025 until the final competition in June 2025. Students may also choose to take SOU catalog courses to supplement or add skills for a competitive edge. The mandatory Workshop, tutorials, and other free resources help students understand how to develop each project.

Learning & Support Resources
Excited to Play, But Not Ready

All interested students are encouraged to start early by taking courses and training to obtain a competitive advantage in the Tournament. Visit with your advisor and/or Tournament Master to discuss a course schedule that meets your goals.

SOU Faculty & Staff

The Business Venture Tournament includes all academic programs from all Southern Oregon University Divisions. The intention is to help make students aware of essential business aspects with any organization. It provides a platform that encourages creativity and development of ideas.

TOURNAMENT

Requirements

Overview

Summary of how the tournament works.

Quest

Outlines what to submit to Headquarters.

Rules

Guidelines and rules for participants.

RESOURCES

Preparation

SOU Supportive Courses

Tournament Preparation The business venture plan is an essential part of planning for the success...

Training

Workshops & Tutorials Participants in the Business Venture Tournament may not have an opportunity to...

Mentorship

Personalized Assistance University studies provide a solid foundation of skills relevant to the modern workplace....