SOU Business Venture Tournament
Supporting Ideas To Change The World
Last-minute Entries by May 12, 2025 Must have 1-minute pitch complete.
Some ideas are just too big to ignore... Could YOURS be one of them?
Think the SOU Business Venture Tournament is just for business majors? Think again!
Deep within the maze lies $3,000—waiting for those bold enough to innovate.
COUNTDOWN
Join us for the Final Competition Gala Event!
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 · 5:00–6:30 PM
Rogue River Room · Stevenson Union
Celebrate innovation across campus as finalists pitch their ideas live before a panel of judges. Enjoy free food, door prizes, and inspiring presentations. Connect with attending local business leaders and discover what’s possible when creativity meets opportunity!
Note: Last-minute entries accepted by May 12, 2025 for review by the Tournament Master
OPPORTUNITY
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!
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.
Final Competition and Awards Gala. Date: May 27, 2025
Free food, door prizes, networking with local business leaders! Live judges panel for presentations.
Awards are presented to Winners
Final Competition and Awards Gala. Date: TBA
Small business mentors, resources & networking!
Awards are presented to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Sustainability Winners
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.
Participants must submit three projects for judging:
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.
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.
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.
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