
The Detroit Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization is once again hosting its annual Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) on Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. on the campus of Walsh College in Troy.
Sponsored by FMD CPAs & Strategic Advisors and EO Detroit, the “student pitch” competition boasts the chapter’s largest group ever with eight participants from colleges and universities across Michigan.
Each participant will be vying for a top prize of $7,500, and like the popular “Shark Tank” show, the students will have 10 minutes to present their business plan and entrepreneurial journey. A panel of judges will score them across 10 different categories and ultimately select a winner.
Highlights about the student companies presenting include:
- Founder listed in Forbes magazine 30 under 30
- A company that builds military target drones
- A smartphone application that scans customers for detailed clothing fitment before they order online
“The response this year has been incredible, and we are really excited about the number of students competing,” says Rob Cote, chairman of the EO Detroit GSEA program. “With a record number (for our chapter) of qualifying students, this year’s event will definitely be another great one.”
The winner of the event will go on to compete at a regional level, and if successful, will ultimately advance to the national competition.
The winners of all national competitions from around the world will go on to compete for the title of Global Student Entrepreneur Awards global champion in 2025.
GSEA participants will have an opportunity to engage with world-class entrepreneurs, receive media exposure, win cash, and share in more than $100,000 in donated business services.
As an added bonus, the local event also will host several young entrepreneurs who will set up booths to sell items they make. Some of the proceeds from the young entrepreneurs will go to local charities.
The GSEA competition is open to the public. Tickets are not needed and pre-registration is not required.
EO Detroit is a peer-to-peer network of driven and accomplished entrepreneurs in southeast Michigan. Focused on creating, building, and innovating, EO Detroit members fuel each other’s passions via learning and educational events, meaningful experience sharing, accountability partnerships, and unique experiences.
For more information, visit eodetroit.com/.