🎉 2025 Business Venture Tournament Gala – You’re Invited! 🎉

Join us for an exciting evening of innovation, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit at the 2025 Business Venture Tournament Gala, taking place on Tuesday, May 27 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Rogue River Room of the Stevenson Union.

This year’s finale promises to be more dynamic than ever with the introduction of a Wildcard Pitch Contest, where any student can pitch their spontaneous ideas in one minute for a shot at instant cash prizes. Expect fast thinking, bold ideas, and a ton of fun as the crowd helps crown the Wildcard winner!

Four finalist teams—selected from across campus disciplines—will also compete for a $3,000 grand prize and the chance to have their venture crowned the 2025 Tournament Champion.

This high-energy event also features a vibrant entrepreneur fair and networking hour with local business leaders and community supporters. Meet our generous sponsors and explore opportunities to connect:

Founding Sponsors: Jim Teece and Dena Matthews Foundation

Confirmed table hosts include:
– Southern Oregon Innovation Hub / SOREDI
– Business Oregon
– SCORE Mentors
– SOU Small Business Development Center
– Jackson County Library Services
– Jefferson Public Radio
– Rogue Valley Times / CMG Oregon Digital
– KMVU-TV
– Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
– Talent Maker City
– Ashland Food Co-op
– Shepherd’s Dream
– Rogue Week : AI for Good Conference
– SOU School of Business and Institute of Applied Sustainability

Don’t miss this chance to support SOU’s student innovators, network with community leaders, and see what creative ventures are brewing right here in Ashland.

🍕 Free food | 💡 Live pitches | 💸 Instant prizes

Open to all! Bring your friends and your best ideas.

📍 Rogue River Room, Stevenson Union
📅 Tuesday, May 27, 2025
🕔 5:00–6:30 p.m.